Vestnik 2014 08 27

2014

SPJST Youth Spectacular A special VĚSTNÍK publication. Volume 102 Number 35 ISSN —07458800

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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Editor’s Note Youth: Get Involved in SPJST!

SPJST HERALD

SPJST HOME OFFICE PO Box 100 • Temple, Texas 76503 (800) 727-7578 • (254) 773-1575 Fax: (254) 774-7447 www.spjst.org

VESTNIK EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION MELANIE ZAVODNY, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0807 VESTNIK Fax: (254) 773-8087

email: m e l a n i e z @ v v m . c o m

SUPREME LODGE PRESIDENT BRIAN VANICEK, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-2902 • Home: (254) 985-0007 email: vanicek@spjst.com SECRETARY-TREASURER LEONARD D. MIKESKA, FIC Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 721-4739 • Home: (254) 778-3720 email: leonardm@spjst.com

DISTRICT ONE DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN DONNIE VICTORICK, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 85, Snook, Texas 77878-0085 Home: (979) 272-3265 • Mobile: (979) 224-3125 email: dv.aggie@verizon.net DISTRICT TWO DIRECTOR JESSE POSPISIL 4710 FM 1331, Taylor, Texas 76574-2164 Home: (512) 365-1110 • Mobile: (512) 826-7371 email: jlpospisil@yahoo.com DISTRICT THREE DIRECTOR JOHN ENGELKE 6475 Gholson Road • Waco, Texas 76705 (254) 799-4247 email: john.engelke@hotmail.com

DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTOR BILLY ROLLWITZ, FIC, CFFM P.O. Box 195, Rowena, Texas 76875-0195 Home: (325) 442-3141 • Mobile: (325) 277-5362 Office: (325) 442-3038 • email: brollwitz@verizon.net DISTRICT FIVE DIRECTOR LARRY W. PFLUGHAUPT, FIC 1243 Clovis Rd, Houston, Texas 77008-6232 Home: (713) 864-2163 • email: lpflugh@aol.com DISTRICT SIX DIRECTOR KAREN KASPAR, FIC, CFFM 8550 N. State Highway 71 El Campo, Texas 77437-9819 Home: (979) 543-2532 • Mobile: (979) 332-1616 email: k-kaspar@hotmail.com

DISTRICT SEVEN DIRECTOR BOB J. BAYER, FIC 1100 Hospital Blvd, Floresville, Texas 78114-2912 Home: (830) 393-9073 INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT CYNTHIA HUTKA Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 718-5787 email: cyn@spjst.com

FRATERNAL FIELD MANAGERS DISTRICTS ONE/THREE Philip (Phil) McBee, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (325) 647-1949 • Fax: (325) 784-7448 email: philipmcbee@aol.com DISTRICTS TWO/SEVEN Hiram Dixon, FICF, LUTCF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 231-7722 • Fax: (254) 501-4479 email: hadixon2003@yahoo.com DISTRICT FOUR Bobby Davis, FICF, CFFM Mobile: (254) 239-9153 • Fax: (325) 657-2003 email: bobbyd@spjst.com DISTRICTS FIVE/SIX Delisle Doherty Mobile: (254) 239-9616 • Mobile: (832) 232-2049 email: delisled@spjst.com

FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROY VAJDAK (254) 773-1575 email: royv@spjst.com

STATE FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR FRANK HORAK Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 534-0681 email: frankh@spjst.com STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR LYNETTE TALASEK Office: (254) 773-1575 • Mobile: (254) 931-0639 email: lynettet@spjst.com

DISTRICT YOUTH COUNSELORS District One - Sharon Russell, 1292 CR 441, Dime Box, Texas 77853 • (979) 884-0807 - email: sharonrussell28@yahoo.com District Two - Patsy Koslovsky, 764 S. St. Joseph Road, Burlington, Texas 76519-3108 - (254) 9852396 - email: patsyk2011@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Weeks, 4203 Treehaven Ct, Arlington, Texas 76016 • (817) 896-5277 - email: kgweeks@att.net District Four - Pam Lehmann, PO Box 637, Tahoka, 79373-0637 - (806) 561-5105 - email: Texas plehmann@poka.com District Five - Barbara Linney-Gonzales - 6043 Pineway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77023-6510 • (713) 649-6138 email: district5dyc@aol.com District Six - Lisa Bubela, 1405 Divide Street, El Campo, Texas 77437 • (979) 543-7120 - email: lbubela@warpspeed1.net District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasan78064 • (210) 535-4916 - email: ton, Texas poohbear78064@hotmail.com BY-LAW COMMITTEE District One - Richard Ford, 2392 CR 424, Dime Box, 77853 - (979) 884-1451 - email: Texas dimebox5@aol.com District Two - Ronnie Rieger, 350 Rieger Road, Coupland, Texas 78615 - (512) 365-2000 - (512) 848-2416/cell - email: RonnieR1056@yahoo.com District Three - Kay Lynn Kovar, 3303 West Lake Bardwell Drive, Ennis, Texas 75119 - (972) 875-6827 District Four - Beverly J. Teplicek, 817 FM 381, Rowena, Texas 76875 - (325) 442-4841 - email: bjtep@verizon.net District Five - Mildred Holeman, 1006 Chantilly Lane, Houston, Texas 77018 - (713) 683-0018 - email: mmholeman@yahoo.com District Six - Joe Siptak, 2312 Norvell, Bay City, Texas 77414 - (979) 244-4415; (979) 479-0056 cell District Seven - Bettie House, 1721 Continental Drive, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (830) 281-8246 -email: bvhouse@att.net

FINANCE COMMITTEE District One - Thomas Cannon, P.O. Box 372, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 567-4264 District Two - Edwin Pechal, 10660 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2282 District Three - Michael Galler, 526 Karen, Waco, Texas 76706 - (254) 662-4934 District Four - Herman D. Weise, 6006 FM Highway 765, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 651-8550 District Five - Marceil Malak, 7444 Meiners Road, Ledbetter, Texas 78946-5118 - (979) 249-5940 District Six - Glenn Kaminsky, 902 River Oaks Court, East Bernard, Texas 77435 - (979) 335-4461 District Seven - Roy Haag, 1334 Rivercrest Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130-3438 - (830) 625-8262

INSURANCE COMMITTEE District One - Susan Skrabanek, 2657 FM 166, Caldwell, Texas 77836 - (979) 272-3440 District Two - Dolores Skrabanek, 13107 State Highway 53, Temple, Texas 76501 - (254) 985-2344 District Three - Daniel Roznovsky, 2513 Custer Court, Irving, Texas 75062 - (972) 252-6763 District Four - Leonard Jansa, 6617 Plainview Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76905 - (325) 234-8117 District Five - Helen Hegwood, 6702 Lindy Ann Lane, Houston, Texas 77008 - (713) 864-0489 District Six - Jerome Hlavaty, P.O. Box 174, Lolita, Texas 77971 - (361) 874-4461 District Seven - Wendy Pruski, 3895 CR 430, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 - (210) 535-4916

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE District One - Floyd Kostelka, 1914 CR 403, Dime Box, Texas 77853 - (979) 540-8531 District Two - Tammy Whatley, 141 Meadow Park Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78626 - (512) 948-5339 District Three - Bessie Petr, 5406 Morningside, Dallas, Texas 75206 - (214) 826-3557 District Four - Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76903 - (325) 651-5884 District Five - Lorenda Baldwin, 219 CR 47, Angleton, Texas 77515 - (979) 922-1279 District Six - Helen Kelner, 911 Avenue K, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 - (281) 342-2624 District Seven - Jarolyn Popp, 447 Shady Hollow, New Braunfels, Texas 78132 - (830) 964-5135 HUMAN RESOURCES DEBBIE KLINKOVSKY (254) 773-1575 • email: debbiek@spjst.com

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he 2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular features many photos of SPJST youth, leaders, and volunteers participating in SPJST Youth Program. I invite and encourage you to look through this issue and see all of the excitement that our young people have experienced this past summer. And, more photos are online at www.spjst.org.

The youth program is available for young people in grades kindergarten through high school senior.

It’s all about making new friends, learning how to be a leader, giving back to the community, and having fun!

If you are looking for a dynamic youth program that gets your child or grandchild involved and teaches him/her leadership skills and teamwork, I invite you to visit an SPJST youth club today. Get involved and learn what a difference SPJST can make in a child’s life. For more information about the SPJST Youth Program and how to get involved, call the Youth Department at the Home Office (800) 727-7578 or contact the youth leader near you listed on page 5. You may also visit www.spjst.org.

Fraternally yours, Melanie Zavodny Vestnik Editor/ Director of Communication • • • SPJST • • •

Visit www.spjst.org to view and/or download the current SPJST Youth Program Handbook which features information and guidelines on youth programs Congratulations to Weston Beasley and contests. of Lodge 17, New Tabor in District One. More youth activity His design was selected as the overall winner in the 2014 SPJST photos are also online.

Camp Tee-Shirt Design Contest.

Front Cover Photos

TOP LEFT: Youth lower the flag during a patriotic ceremony at the end of the day at camp. TOP RIGHT: Youth participate in Special Category at State Youth Achievement Day. BOTTOM LEFT: Leaders-In-Training apply teamwork skills at LIT camp. BOTTOM RIGHT: Macy Jones, left, of Lodge 154, Fort Worth and Quinlan Dobecka of Lodge 6, Cottonwood enjoy water activities during District Three Camp.

VĚSTNÍK, (USPS 658480) is published weekly except the last week of September and the fourth week of December by VĚSTNÍK, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100. Subscription rates are $25 per year for non-members. Members’ fees are paid as part of the insurance fee collected by SPJST, 520 North Main, Temple, TX 76501. Second-class postage paid at Temple, TX and additional mailing offices. The exchange of opinions, ideas and information is a vital aspect of our fraternal Society and enables us to make more informed decisions. The views expressed by writers in the Vestnik do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or SPJST management. Please sign all correspondence intended for publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VĚSTNÍK c/o Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak, P.O. Box 100, Temple, TX 76503-0100.

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

SPJST Youth Clubs . . . Join and Get Involved Today!

SPJST is a fraternal organi-

zation founded on the time-honored idea of doing good for each other and for the communities that we seek to serve. Our youth mission is to provide a well-rounded educational, patriotic, and social program. We also like to have fun!

Through active participation in local SPJST Youth Clubs and statewide events, SPJST youth develop a greater awareness of the common bonds that we all share. SPJST youth clubs also work with community-based organizations to Lynette Talasek tailor programs to fit local needs. Youth activities include summer camps and community service projects, talent contests, and other local and statewide contests. SPJST also has a great scholarship program that has helped to enable hundreds of SPJST youth to continue their higher education.

SPJST strives to instill a healthy lifestyle for children and families with programs like SPJST summer camp.

Summer camp provides our members with the chance to have fun in the great outdoors and foster friendships that will last a lifetime. Helping children develop a love of the outdoors and being physically active is a big part of SPJST’s camp program.

Young people are influenced by their friends, family, media, and other information that they receive. Our District Youth Counselors and volunteer youth leaders work hard to build and maintain a fun and stimulating youth program that instills positive values in SPJST youth. By becoming involved in the youth program as an adult volunteer, you can make a positive differ-

ence in your community and in the lives of our young people.

Seeing is believing. I hope that you enjoy the 2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular. You and your family can be a part of these programs by becoming an active member of SPJST. SPJST membership is available through the purchase of a life insurance certificate from SPJST. If you are not currently a member of SPJST and would like information about SPJST life insurance and the many benefits that SPJST has to offer, please see pages four and five and contact the District Youth Counselor or youth leader in your area. You may also contact the SPJST Home Office at (800) 727-7578 and ask to speak with someone in the Youth Department.

Membership in SPJST provides many opportunities for active youth club members. Even in communities that do not have an active youth club, there are ways that you can participate in our fun, service-oriented program. Those qualifications are outlined in the following summary.

What’s an Active Youth Member?

In SPJST, an active youth club member is a youth with an SPJST in-

surance certificate that is current and who attends seven out of 12 monthly youth club meetings during the youth year. Youth may attend the adult lodge meetings or another lodge’s youth club meeting if either their youth club is not meeting or they need to make up meetings. Active youth members must be single and not pregnant or a parent. The age of the youth on June 1 of the current youth year will be the recognized age in the SPJST Youth Program (camp, YAD, contests, etc.).

A youth with a current certificate may enter the SPJST youth program the youth year that they will be entering kindergarten. The youth will be eligible for camp and youth achievement day after the completion of their kindergarten year. The youth year begins June 1 and goes through May 31. Youth club eligibility ends when the youth graduates from high school.

SPJST Youth Achievement Day and Participation Guidelines Youth Achievement Day (YAD) consists of the following contests and exhibitions.

Craft Contest Talent Contest

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Royalty Contest Scrapbook Contest Poster Contest Beseda Dance Exhibition Special Category Contest (State YAD only)

Each district sponsors a Youth Achievement Day in which local lodge youth club members compete for district honors. First place district winners go on to compete at State Youth Achievement Day to be held Saturday, August 2, 2014, at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple.

Who Can Enter?

Active youth club members, who have completed their kindergarten year to high school senior, who attended seven out of 12 youth club meetings during the youth year and who perform constructive activities in the lodge, are eligible for the YAD contests.

New youth club members joining after June 1 must have attended a majority of meetings since the join date.

Certificates must be issued by January 1 in order to participate in YAD for that year. Youth in lodges where there are no youth clubs can enter YAD if they attend seven out of 12 adult meetings

Pictured are, left to right, DYC Sharon Russell and Assistants Lindy Beasley and Holly Narro, all of District One; DYC Patsy Koslovsky and Assistants Cristy Girod and Amber Bartek, all of District Two; DYC Kay Gerlich Weeks and Assistant CarrieAnn Jones, both of District Three; DYC Pam Lehmann and Assistant Laura Pospichal, both of District Four; DYC Barbara Linney-Gonzales of District Five; DYC Lisa Bubela and Assistant Susan Siptak, both of District Six; and DYC Wendy Pruski and Assistant Regina House, both of District Seven.

Youth Spectacular ★

Contents

District Youth Counselors ...........3 SPJST Youth Leaders ................4 State YAD Results.....................5 State Merit Grant Essay............7

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State King/Queen Speeches.....8 Beseda....................................14 State YAD Scenes...................16 Leaders-In-Training.................18 Merit Point Winners.................20 District One Camp...................21

District Two Camp...................22 District Two Youth Year ...........24 District Three Camp ................26 District Five Camp...................28 District Six Camp.....................30 District Seven Camp ...............31

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

or participate in the call-in meetings with the State Youth Director. Youth leaders will verify eligibility of each contestant selected to complete in District YAD.

How Do You Enter?

A YAD contestant must pre-register for all contests by completing a separate YAD entry card for each contest to be entered. YAD entry cards are available from the youth leader, DYC, or State Youth Director.

SPJST Summer Camp and Participation Guidelines SPJST provides summer camping for its youth members. Youth camp funds come from an annual allocation by the SPJST Supreme Lodge. Each of the seven SPJST districts across the state hosts its own camp. Some districts may have combined camp sessions.

Who Can Participate?

Camp is provided on the basis of participation in SPJST activities. Pending that the qualifications are met, summer camp is available to all SPJST certificate-holding youth members.

Campers must also be in good standing with SPJST. The ages for camp are completed kindergarten to high school senior as of June 1 of the camping year. Graduating high school seniors who are active youth club members may attend camp as a Senior Leader-inTraining (LIT) during the camp session that follows their high school graduation.

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Camp Eligibility Qualifications for youth to attend SPJST camp are based on the previous youth year (June 1 to May 31). To be eligible to attend camp at no charge, youth members must attend seven out of 12 youth meetings or seven out of 12 adult lodge meetings, if the lodge does not have a youth club. Youth members must also attend a majority of the youth activities in the youth club or lodge.

Any youth (previous member or new certificate) who initially joins the youth club by January 1 and attends seven meetings may go to camp free of charge. SPJST youth members who do not meet the above qualifications may attend camp for a prorated fee determined by the DYC. These funds will be submitted to the State Youth Director. Life insurance certificate must be written by May 1 of the current youth year in order for youth to attend camp. This rule also applies to those campers who will be paying to attend camp.

Each camper must submit a completed SPJST Camp Application to the State Youth Department no later than May 31. These applications are available on the SPJST Website. All incomplete camp applications will be returned to the youth. No one may attend SPJST Camp without a completed SPJST Eligibility Application on file for the current year.

2014 SPJST Scholarship Program and Qualifications SPJST recognizes and awards its members for academic excellence, exceptional leadership ability, and outstanding service with its scholarship and leadership grant program. This past spring, the SPJST Home Office awarded 60 - $1,000 scholarships to deserving SPJST youth. Another nine scholarships were presented at State Youth Achievement Day in August.

SPJST awards the following scholarships and leadership grants: General Scholarships in the amount of $1,000

Leadership Grants in the amount of $1,000 State Merit Grant in the amount of $1,500

District Merit Grants in the amount of $1,000 Royalty Grants in the amount of $1,500

Any youth member who has been the recipient of either the State Merit Grant, the District Merit Grant, or the Royalty Grant is also eligible to apply for a General Scholarship or a Leadership Grant. A youth may receive a maximum of two scholarships/grants within SPJST, excluding the State Merit Grant.

General scholarships are funded by the Supreme Lodge and voluntary con-

tributions by SPJST members. Accordingly, the more funds available, the more scholarships awarded. Leadership grants were established in 1996 for active youth club members. Leadership grants are funded solely through allocations by the Supreme Lodge.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have an active SPJST life insurance certificate in force for one year.

• Hold an active SPJST life insurance certificate for the duration of the scholarship or grant; and • Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

General scholarship recipients may only receive one general scholarship.

Active youth club members are required to apply for both the general scholarship and the leadership grant; however, they are only eligible to receive one. You may request scholarship application guidelines through the Office of the President during the fall of the year. All required application materials must be returned to the SPJST Fraternal Department by February 1. Please note that this information is subject to change. All applicants are encouraged to please refer to the Office of the President for the most complete and up-to-date information regarding the SPJST Scholarship application process.

• • • SPJST • • •

SPJST District Youth Counselors and Assistants District One YOuth cOunselOr shArOn russell (979) 884-0807 email: sharon_russell28@yahoo.com Assistant holly narro (979) 272-1188 Assistant lindy Beasley (979) 229-6465

District twO YOuth cOunselOr PAtsY KOslOvsKY (254) 985-2396 email: patsyk2011@yahoo.com Assistant cristy Girod (512) 468-1347 Assistant Amber Bartek (254) 931-0295 District three YOuth cOunselOr KAY Gerlich weeKs (817) 896-5277 email: kgweeks@att.net Assistant carrieAnn Jones (817) 371-1727

District FOur YOuth cOunselOr PAm lehmAnn (806) 561-5105 email: plehmann@poka.com Assistant laura Pospichal (325) 442-2872

District six YOuth cOunselOr lisA BuBelA (979) 543-7120 email: lbubela@warpspeed1.net Assistant susan siptak (409) 244-4415

District Five YOuth cOunselOr BArBArA linneY-GOnzAles (713) 649-6138 email: district5dyc@aol.com Assistant Brenda moyle (281) 369-3503

District seven YOuth cOunselOr wenDY PrusKi (210) 535-4916 email: poohbear78064@hotmail.com Assistant regina house (830) 569-5070

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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SPJST Local Lodge Youth Leaders

sPJst hOme OFFice 520 North Main • Temple, Texas 76501 (254) 773-1575 • (800) 727-7578 Fax: (254) 774-7447 • www.spjst.org SPJST PRESIDENT/ HEAD OF THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT BRIAN VANICEK Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 534-2902 email: vanicek@spjst.com

SPJST STATE YOUTH DIRECTOR LYNETTE TALASEK Office: (254) 773-1575 Mobile: (254) 931-0639 email: lynettet@spjst.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LOCAL LODGE YOUTH LEADERS

Number in ( ) denotes district number.

Lodge 1, Fayetteville (1) Ronnie Pflughaupt (979) 249-6702 email: rpflughaupt@hotmail.com Youth Club Meetings: First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Peggy Dobecka (254) 799-8550 email: DATAPED@sbcglobal.net Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 9, Snook (1) Marie Shelfer (979) 272-8100 email: mashelfer@aol.com Youth Club Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Mabrey Dowell (979) 272-8517 email: Mabes82@aol.com Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 18, Elgin (2) Joyce Bowen Nelson (512) 856-2481 email: joycenelson64@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: First Saturday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 20, Granger (2) Emilie Tischler (254) 721-7735 Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Brenda Maddux (254) 985-0002 email: frontdeskgoddess@hotmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Rita Holland (469) 337-2284 email: ritajholland@sbcglobal.net Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 29, Taylor (2) Cristy Girod (512) 468-1347 email: girodranch@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Lisa Bubela (979) 543-7120 email: lbubela@warpspeed1.net Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at Taiton Community Center Lodge 40 El Campo-Hillje (6) Cathy Garcia (979) 332-1614 email: clvgarcia@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 1:15 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Joyce Kraatz (254) 985-2244 email: joycekraatz@hotmail.com Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) Donna Vanecek (512) 365-5717 email: donnavanecek@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Becky Wood (325) 656-0029 email: bwood@citizensstatebk.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 4 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 79 Corpus Christi (7) Gerilyn Donnell (361) 548-0852 email: gl@totalprotection.com Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Sokol Hall

Lodge 80, Holland (2) Connie Horak (254) 541-9165 email: chorak@sw.org Youth Club Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Youth Leader Connie Horak’s home. Call for address.

Lodge 81, Needville (5) Bradley Stavinoha (979) 793-2386 email: spjst@earthlink.net Youth Club Meetings: Contact Youth Leader Bradley Stavinoha for meeting date, time, and location.

Lodge 84, Dallas (3) Bessie Petr (214) 826-3557 magiclady_46@hotmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 1 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 87, Temple (2) Jennifer Davidson (254) 405-5168 email: davidson2313@gmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 88, Houston (5) Barbara Linney-Gonzales (713) 649-6138 email: district5dyc@aol.com Youth Club Meetings: Fourth Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 92, Fort Worth (3) Holly Hubenak Anderson (682) 552-4498 email: hollyanderson33@gmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 142, Houston (5) Catherine Manchack (832) 443-0469 email: cmanchack@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Lodge 88, Houston Annex Building Lodge 148, El Maton (6) Melissa Zielonka (979) 618-1890 email: zielonka33@aol.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month following the adult lodge meeting at 3 p.m. at Frank Hahn’s Camphouse in El Maton.

Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Lesli Milan (817) 320-7129 email: leslimilan@yahoo.com CarrieAnn Jones (817) 371-1727 email: jonestravel@att.net Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 162 Iowa Colony (5) Brenda Moyle (281) 369-3503 email: brenda@moblaw.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Iowa Colony Community Center Lodge 182, Falls County (2) Becky Beckendorf (254) 749-5732 beckyb.bltb@gmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at The Chicken Place in Marlin

Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Debra Daniel (817) 472-6261 email: ddaniel108@sbcglobal.net Youth Club Meetings: Last Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the lodge hall Lodge 185 New Braunfels (7) Theresa Haag (830) 625-8262 email: theresa.haag686@gmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader for meeting date/time/location.

Lodge 186, Caldwell (1) Yolanda Brinkman (979) 845-5088 email: ymbrinkman@cvm.tamu.edu Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 2:30 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 187 Round Rock (2) Jennifer McCarthy (512) 565-9156 email: jsupak@gmail.com Youth Club Meetings: Second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at the lodge hall

Lodge 202 Jourdanton (7) Regina House (830) 569-5070 email: spjst202youth@gmail.com Youth Club Meetings: First Sunday of each month, 1:30 p.m. (March, June, September, and December at 1 p.m.) at Jourdanton Community Center

Lodge 215 South Plains (4) Janeece Williams (806) 495-3351 email: jkraa5@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Third Sunday of each month, 5 p.m. Contact Youth Leader Janeece Williams for location.

Lodge 246 Morgan’s Point (2) Trish Konkler (254) 780-9012 email: tkonkler71@yahoo.com Youth Club Meetings: Call Youth Leader for meeting date/time/location.

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Snook, Houston Youth Win State Crowns

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SPJST Youth Showcase Talents at State Youth Achievement Day Approximately 250 SPJST youth

from across Texas met at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center in Temple, Texas, on Saturday, August 2, 2014, to showcase their knowledge and skills at SPJST State Youth Achievement Day (YAD).

The 2014 competition involved participants in grades kindergarten to high school senior. They competed in 15 events, testing their skills in areas such as construction, foods (candies), handicraft, photography, sewing, public speaking, and talent. The event also featured a special category which is a surprise until the day of the competition. This year, participants were each given a ready-to-assemble gift box that was to be decorated with an assortment of craft supplies.

District and State YADs allow SPJST youth club members to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and gain recognition for their achievements. As the youth compete, they develop self-confidence and sharpen their decision-making abilities. They also have a chance to socialize with other youth club members.

SPJST State YAD is the culmination of a year of hard work by some of the best and brightest SPJST youth club members.

Winners of SPJST District YAD competitions across Texas qualified to compete at the state contest. Seven District YADs were held in June and

July in Caldwell, Tay2014 - 2015 SPJST State Royalty lor, Arlington, Rowena, Houston, Taiton, and New Braunfels.

The grand finale of the 2014 State Youth Achievement Day was the presentation of the 2014-2015 State Royalty Court. Crowned to represent SPJST in the coming year were King Nikolaus Faust and Duke Kade Junek, both of Lodge 9, Snook in District One, and Queen Denae Bronikowski and Duchess Cheyenne Parker, both of Lodge 88, Houston in District Five.

State King Nikolas, 17, is the son of James and Stefani Faust of Snook. Nikolas is a senior at Snook High The 2014-2015 SPJST State Royalty are, left to right, Duke Kade Junek and King NikoSchool. State Duke las Faust, both of Lodge 9, Snook in District One and Queen Denae Bronikowski and Kade is eight years old Duchess Cheyenne Parker, both of Lodge 88, Houston in District Five. They were crowned on Saturday, August 2 at State YAD held in Temple. and the son of Kevin and Erika Junek. State Tignor and Duke Preston Sullivan, Daisy Enriquez and Duchess Aiyana Queen Denae, 15, is the daughter of both of Lodge 25, Ennis, and Queen Gonzalez, both of Lodge 40, El Robert and Doris Bronikowski of Kacie Vanecek and Duchess Makayla Campo-Hillje.

Houston. Julia is a junior at Jersey Vil- Newsom, both of Lodge 48, BeyThe SPJST Top Junior Award went lage High School. State Duchess ersville. to Brandon Girod of Lodge 29, Taylor Cheyenne, age six, is the daughter of Second runners-up were King Ryan and SPJST Top Teen Award went to Bronikowski and Duke Nathan Polly, Brady Alexander of Lodge 47, Seaton.

Natalie Zalesky of Houston.

• • • SPJST • • • First runners-up were King Pierce both of Lodge 88, Houston, and Queen

Lodge 202, Jourdanton teen receives $1,500 State Merit Grant Sammy Hoggard, age 18, a member

of Lodge 202, Jourdanton, is the recipient of the 2014 SPJST State Merit Grant.

He is the son of Sandra Hoggard of San Antonio. Sammy is a senior at Churchill High School. He received the $1,500 grant during the SPJST State Youth Achievement Day awards ceremony in Temple. After high school, Sammy plans to attend college and pursue a career in either broadcasting or game development.

Teens from each district with the most youth merit points over the last three years competed for the grant. As part of the competition, each teen submitted a 1,000-word essay on the topic “SPJST — Enriching Lives.” The winner was selected by a panel of judges using the following criteria: content (50 percent); mechanics— grammar, spelling, and sentence structure (35 percent); and neatness (15 percent).

District Merit Grant Winners District Merit Grant winners each received a $1,000 grant. The 2014 District Merit Grant winners are:

District Five—Avery Moyle Lodge 162, Iowa Colony

District Two—Jacob Horak Lodge 80, Holland

District Seven—Hayley Hilbig Lodge 185, New Braunfels

District One—Colton Orsak Lodge 9, Snook

District Three—Melinda McClellan Lodge 84, Dallas

District Six—Ryan Drapela Lodge 30, Taiton

See photos on Page 7.

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2014 District Merit Grant Winners

2014 Top Teen and Top Junior

Congratulations to the 2014 SPJST District Merit Grant Winners. They are, left to right, Colton Orsak of Lodge 17, New Tabor (District One); Jacob Horak of Lodge 80, Holland (District Two); Melinda McClellan of Lodge 84, Dallas (District Three); Ryan Drapela of Lodge 30, Taiton; and Hayley Hilbig of Lodge 185, New Braunfels (District Seven). Not pictured is Avery Moyle of Lodge 162, Iowa Colony (District Five).

Congratulations to 2014 Top Teen Brady Alexander of Lodge 47, Seaton in District Two and Top Junior Brandon Girod of Lodge 29, Taylor in District Two. Brady earned 176 merit points while Brandon earned 180 merit points to achieve these honors. They were recognized for their achievements during opening ceremonies at State Youth Achievement Day.

State Merit Grant Essay: SPJST — A Circle of Enriching Lives SPJST has been enriching lives

across Texas for more than 115 years.

For many years, the organization’s symbol was the letters SPJST encircling a single star. I first discovered this logo at my grandparent’s home as it adorns service plaques and other memorabilia. I find this emblem inspirational as it resembles the foothold SPJST has all around the Lone Star State. The points of the star represent the influence the organization has in all corners of the state, and the circle surrounding those points is the strong community bond forged by SPJST. SPJST is enriching lives every day by encouraging a mix of opinions and by overseeing the development of character within the youth. Wise words said by Paul Valery, “We are enriched by our reciprocate differences,” describe the fundamental concepts that bind SPJST together.

SPJST embraces mutually divergent ideas that are exchanged in activities to impact the development of youth as values are established.

SPJST values community fellowship, neighborly partnership, and fraternal ideology. Values are a person’s principles or standards of behavior.

Standards of behavior entice physical behavior and physical behavior is the interaction behind everything we do.

SPJST encourages this action-reaction in many ways. Adults and youth work

By Sammy Hoggard of Lodge 202, Jourdanton in District Seven

together on community service projects to help those less fortunate.

Every year, our youth group fills Christmas shoeboxes with small toys and personal care products to be distributed to children in Child Protective Services. I have also enjoyed doing yard work for the elderly and delivering flowers or Valentine’s wishes at the nursing homes. These small charitable acts bring such joy to others and impact my life as well.

Promoting positive values, SPJST perpetuates a strenuous interaction with the youth to encourage growth so that they can apply those values into everyday life and become successful.

SPJST deems youth a priority, recognizing therein lies the future. In turn, as the youth become LITs (Leaders-inTraining), they learn to teach others.

They support their peers and encourage campers to face new challenges and overcome their fears. As the youth mature in the organization, frequently they become more involved.

In 2012, I was asked to present my winning Flag Day essay at the state convention. I enjoyed the opportunity to speak but was even more enthralled by the rule-making proceedings of the convention. I was impressed by the legislative type process utilized to develop a consensus through discussion and voting. It was obvious that the members representing lodges across the state were passionate about the or-

ganization and inter2014 State Merit Grant Winner ested in promoting SPJST and expanding the organization’s impact. I hope to have the opportunity to represent my lodge at the next convention in 2016 so I can contribute ideas based on my personal observations and experiences.

SPJST preserves and honors its culture by supporting various activities such as the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, informative seminars, and festivals that promote Czech family values. The museum educates and inspires the minds of visitors from across Texas and around the world. Its many artifacts include traditional costumes, Congratulations to 2014 SPJST State Merit Grant handmade puppets, Winner Sammy Hoggard of Lodge 202, Jourdanton in District Seven. Sammy received a $1,500 and authentic coins, grant to the college of his choice during State glass, and lace from Youth Achievement Day. the Czech settlers of Texas. A bountiful library of immi- cestry. This summer, the museum exgration records and Czech literature panded its programs to include “after has become a source of information hours” educational seminars. SPJST for descendents to research their anContinued on Page 8.

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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SPJST - Enriching Lives 2014

Royalty Speech By 2014-2015 State King Nikolas Faust

Good afternoon, judges, youth club members, and guests, and welcome to Youth Achievement Day. The enrichment of lives in SPJST is easily done by following the guidelines given to live by as SPJST members. These guidelines are commonly referred to as the SPJST Youth Club Motto: I pledge my support to uphold the high ideals of SPJST: Seeking Brotherhood; Pledging Benevolence; Joining Hands; Supporting Humanity; and Trusting in my ability to make the world a better place. This I pledge.

I say this and believe in it because the high ideals of SPJST will enrich our lives every day. It’s always a great thing when you can touch someone’s life through SPJST. The hard part is figuring out how to affect their lives in some way, but through the high ideals of SPJST I can.

SPJST is not just an insurance company. It strives to make brotherhood a priority which is a feeling closeness to a group of people, which is the basis for the enrichment or development of youth members lives.

In SPJST, benevolence is shown through joining hands, and helping our fellow members. The act of benevolence brought the youth a

Grant Essay

Continued from page 7.

participates in Czech festivals across the state, sometimes with Beseda dance groups or sponsorship of kolache eating contests. I was honored to attend the 50th Annual Sts. Cyril and Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival in Houston last year. The spirit of the festival focused primarily on shared values that encouraged the settlers to unite in spite of their regional differences. The festival opened with attendees wearing traditional costumes for the singing of the Ukrainian, Croatian, Czech, and Polish national anthems. Then all voices joined together to sing The Star Spangled Banner. The afternoon was filled with

new camp, Cooper Farm, to be called their own. Cooper Farm is a place where lives are developed with every function held.

Trusting is the most important thing to make one’s life prosper.

Remember to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.

How would you feel if you were them? Try to have compassion for their feelings. This is only done by trusting each other. As Leaders-in- Training, we learn to trust each other as we develop our own lives.

The youth club motto closes by saying “This I pledge,” which I believe means that I will always give my best effort to be a positive role model in someone’s life.

The mission of the youth club is accomplished through the youth motto and the way we participate in the youth program. From educating ourselves about our heritage, showing respect to our country and flag, and participating in all types of activities. So maybe one of the greatest ways to enrich lives in 2014 is by sharing my Czech heritage with those around me. I am proud that I have a set of goals and mission statement that shows me these characteristics everyday as I live the dream of enriching lives in SPJST. Thank you.

• • • SPJST • • •

dancing and wonderful foods from the various regions as they celebrated their heritage. SPJST partners with all of these activities to provide learning experiences promoting the Czech culture.

SPJST continues to teach and encourage these common values by providing a community from which the youth can rely upon. These communities start as small groups but quickly grow into large, loving, far reaching networks. This web of support frequently results from the previous generations of SPJST as these adults are still active in providing guidance to shape the youth. These leaders accompany the youth to camps, outings, and meetings, ensuring that the values instilled are always positive and remain relevant for

SPJST - Enriching Lives 2014

Royalty Speech By 2014-2015 State Queen Denae Bronikowski

To enrich is to improve, to make rich or richer, especially by the addition or increase of some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient.

Some good examples would be when a farmer adds fertilizer to grow better crops, or when we use enriched flour to make those delicious kolaches.

Good afternoon and welcome, judges, members, friends, and guests.

SPJST adds components to our lives to make us better people. A few years ago, I was approached by my youth leader for a very special task. To my dismay, it was to dress up as the Easter Bunny. At first, I thought, “Can’t you find anyone else?” So I went round and round with my mom and my youth leader, but since my mom was the Easter Bunny at one time, it was only fitting that the torch was passed to me.

It wasn’t until I was totally transformed by the makeup, my fluffy tail, and ears that I realized this is not just some silly suit, it was something bigger than myself. This was an opportunity for me to be a symbol that represents food, fun, fraternalism, and family. An icon that everyone relates to, a childhood memory where young and old come together with smiles and laughter.

Being the Easter Bunny may have taken me out of my comfort zone,

the children as they grow older.

Through extensive community service projects, members are able to enrich the lives of others while experiencing a change within. This “good feeling” rewards and encourages participants to continue to provide service to others. Then these values can be passed down in turn to the younger generations. It’s a never ending cycle of fraternalism that keeps SPJST alive and ensures that there is always a tomorrow for the organization.

For me, SPJST serves as more than just a fraternal life insurance company. It is a community, a family, and a home that I love. SPJST has enriched my life by teaching values that

but isn’t that how we grow as people? Once it was all said and done, everyone had a wonderful time—especially me—because I had a new perspective and got to see things through a child’s eyes, and by the smiles on everyone’s face.

So now every year when Easter rolls around, my youth leader doesn’t even have to ask, because it is something I love to do. This has enriched my life in ways I never imagined. I have gained confidence and a new found appreciation for the Easter Bunny, and all those people who have shaped my life.

Being a part of SPJST has enriched my life; giving me a positive environment to promote our common bond by keeping alive and encouraging the cherished traditions of Czech history, culture, heritage, and family.

The educational aspect of the SPJST Youth Program is what makes us unique. We have the opportunity to learn about parliamentary procedure, arts, crafts, music, dance, patriotism, and when we go to summer camp we learn about nature and conservation.

Surround yourself with people that inspire you to do better, and inspire your friends as well. It is a profound truth that the people we spend time with shape the path that we travel.

Thank you, and God bless.

• • • SPJST • • •

guide my footsteps as I establish goals for my future. My membership is a proven asset in my life, providing valuable coaching of leadership skills that will contribute to my success. I have met and bonded with so many people throughout this organization.

As we work side by side, I have been given the opportunity to witness and participate in the enrichment of others. Czech historian Dr. Clinton Machann said, “There is no doubt that a Czech mutual aid organization (like the SPJST) works toward the feeling of bonding. They’re part of a community. It makes life meaningful to them.” Simply put - it enriches their lives.

• • • SPJST • • •

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2014 State Junior Group Talent Winners

2014 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

State King Nikolas Faust Lodge 9, Snook District One State Duke Kade Junek Lodge 9, Snook District One State Queen Denae Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston District Five State Duchess Cheyenne Parker Lodge 88, Houston District Five

State Royalty

LODGE 9, SNOOK. Front, left to right, J. Beaux Hruska, Kyleigh Hruska, Caleb See, Tatiana Tates, William See, Wesley See. Back: Madelyn Rodriguez, Colby See, Natalie Vacha, Kamree Walker.

2014 State Senior Group Talent Winners

LODGE 9, SNOOK. Front, left to right, Kaylea Walker, Sydney Faust, Carlee See, Grace Lewis, Emily Lewis, Natalee See. Back: Nikolas Faust, Deanna Hairrell, Hayden Kovar, Landon Eldridge, Colton Orsak, Braxton Faust, Malorie Vacha.

2014 State Individual Talent Winners

King First Runner-Up Pierce Tignor Lodge 25, Ennis District Three Duke First Runner-Up Preston Sullivan Lodge 25, Ennis District Three Queen First Runner-Up Kacie Vanecek Lodge 48, Beyersville District Two Duchess First Runner-Up Makayla Newsom Lodge 48, Beyersville District Two

King Second Runner-Up Ryan Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston District Five Duke Second Runner-Up Nathan Polly Lodge 88, Houston District Five Queen Second Runner-Up Daisy Enriquez Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje District Six Duchess Second Runner-Up Aiyana Gonzalez Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje District Six

1st - Lodge 9, Snook (1) “The Czech Network” Dramatic Joshua Green, Riley Green J. Beaux Hruska, Kyleigh Hruska Madelyn Rodriguez, Caleb See Colby See Wesley See William See, Tatiana Tates Natalie Vacha, Kamree Walker

Junior Group Talent

2nd - Lodge 30, Taiton (6) “Surfin’ USA” - Dance Brooke Bacak, Bethany Baker Brittany Baker, Grant Bubela Andrew Kresta, Emily Kresta Lauren Kresta, Luc Marcaurele

3rd - Lodge 47, Seaton (2) “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” Dance Dannikka Bartek, Kyndall Carroll Bailey Krcha, Jordan Krcha, Emma Regan

1st - Lodge 9, Snook (1) “SPonly.com” - Dramatic Landon Eldridge, Braxton Faust Nikolas Faust, Sydney Faust Deanna Hairrell, Hayden Kovar Emily Lewis Grace Lewis Colton Orsak, Carlee See Natalee See, Malorie Vacha Kaylea Walker

Senior Group Talent

2nd - Lodge 25, Ennis (3) “Dancing in the Sky” Dramatic Dance Erica Clark, Madeline Clark Amanda Droste

3rd - Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) “A Little Party” - Dance Elizabeth Hancock Hannah Hancock, Regan Lewis Elizabeth White

Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Bailee Beckendorf Lodge 182, Falls County (2) “Let It Go!” - Vocal 2nd - Madeline O’Gorman Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) “Where the Sidewalk Ends” Dramatic 3rd - Cheyenne Parker Lodge 88, Houston (5) “Stand By Me” - Dance

Individual Talent

Left to right, Bailee Beckendorf (182), Macy Narro (17), April Dvorak (25), Julia Zavodny (47).

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2014 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Macy Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) “I Am a Small Part of the World” - Vocal 2nd - Aiyana Gonzalez Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) “A Little Party (Fergie)” Dance 3rd - Nathan Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) “Taiko” (Tire Drum Routine) Instrumental

Ages 12 to 14 1st - April Dvorak Lodge 25, Ennis (3) “At Last” - Vocal 2nd - Ciara Popham Cline Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) “Count On me” - Vocal 3rd - Sydney Faust Lodge 9, Snook (1) “Useless Gold” - Oral Reading

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Julia Zavodny Lodge 47, Seaton (2) “Shopaholic” - Dramatic 2nd - Denae Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) “Timber” - Dance 3rd - Melinda McClellan Lodge 84, Dallas (3) “It’s Gonna Be A Long Walk” Dance

1st - Lodge 9, Snook (1) 2nd - Lodge 47, Seaton (2) 3rd - Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6)

Poster - “Friendship”

1st - Lodge 47, Seaton (2) 2nd - Lodge 30, Taiton (6) 3rd - Lodge 17, New Tabor (1)

Scrapbook - “Friendship”

Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Rileigh Kitchen Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) 2nd - Madeline O’Gorman Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) 3rd - Jered Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5)

Special Category - Gift Box

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kamree Walker Lodge 9, Snook (1) 2nd - Brittany Baker Lodge 30, Taiton (6) 3rd - Macy Jones Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3)

2014 State Poster Winner

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Samara Valdez Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) 2nd - Shelby Horak Lodge 80, Holland (2) 3rd - April Dvorak Lodge 25, Ennis (3)

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Paige Tignor Lodge 25, Ennis (3) 2nd - Devin Krajca Lodge 25, Ennis (3) 3rd - Denae Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5)

Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - J. Beaux Hruska Lodge 9, Snook (1) Frosty the Snowman 2nd - Joshua Spence Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Green House 3rd - Bailee Beckendorf Lodge 182, Falls County (2) Record Purse

Constructed Items

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Weston Beasley Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Spoon Flower Wreath 2nd - Nathan Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Suncatcher 3rd - Olivia Zmolik Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Rainbow Cross

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Eagle 2nd - Michael Hoelscher Lodge 24, Cyclone (2) Le Fleur 3rd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) The White Rose

LODGE 9, SNOOK. Front, left to right, Taylor Groce, Kade Junek, Wesley See, Caleb See, J. Beaux Hruska, Tatiana Tates, William See, Natalee See. Second Row: Deanna Hairrell, Kamree Walker, Colby See, Kyleigh Hruska, Kaylea Walker, Sydney Faust, Kohl Junek, Carlee See, Natalie Vacha, Grace Lewis, Madelyn Rodriguez, Emily Lewis, Malorie Vacha. Back: Nikolas Faust, Hayden Kovar, Landon Eldridge, Colton Orsak, Braxton Faust.

2014 State Scrapbook Winner

LODGE 47, SEATON. Front, left to right, Chase Alexander, Justin Kraatz, Kyndall Carroll, Dannikka Bartek, Emma Regan, Kasen Carroll. Back: Brady Alexander, Brandon Hoelscher, Hunter Bartek, Julia Zavodny.

2014 State Special Category Winners

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ryan Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) Hoot Owl 2nd - Daisy Enriquez Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Rose 3rd - Nikolas Faust Lodge 9, Snook (1) Plastic Scorpion Left to right, Rileigh Kitchen (185), Kamree Walker (9), Samara Valdez (202), Paige Tignor (25).

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2014 State Constructed Items Winners

2014 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Tyson Bilbrey Lodge 47, Seaton (2) English Toffee 2nd - Hunter Wood Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Pecan Pie Brittle 3rd - Madeline O’Gorman Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Peanut Brittle Ages 9 to 11 1st - Hailey Girod Lodge 29, Taylor (2) Tiger Butter 2nd - Briana Woodall Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Slow Cooker Chocolate Candy 3rd - Olivia Schwertner Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Peanut Butter Balls

Foods - Candy

Left to right, J. Beaux Hruska (9), Weston Beasley (17), Sean Moncrief (88), Ryan Bronikowski (88).

2014 State Foods Winners

Left to right, Tyson Bilbrey (47), Hailey Girod (29), Chase Alexander (47), Emily Lewis (9).

2014 State Handicraft Winners

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Chase Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Creamy Chocolate Fudge 2nd - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Peanut Brittle 3rd - Sutton Schwertner Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Toffee Butter Crunch

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Emily Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) Millionaires 2nd - Ross Jaroszewski Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) English Toffee 3rd - Kaitlyn Whatley Lodge 29, Taylor (2) Butterscotch Candy Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - J. Beaux Hruska Lodge 9, Snook (1) SPJST String Art 2nd - Bailee Beckendorf Lodge 182, Falls County (2) Decorative Gumball Container 3rd - Jered Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Painted Pieced Woodwork

Handicraft

Left to right, J. Beaux Hruska (9), Kyleigh Hruska (9), Chase Alexander (47), Ryan Bronikowski (88).

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Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kyleigh Hruska Lodge 9, Snook (1) The Texas Star String Art 2nd - Dannikka Bartek Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Cross String Art

3rd - Lauren Kresta Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Cross Mosaic

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Chase Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Jewelry Case 2nd - Dillon Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Candy Dispenser 3rd - Ciara Popham Cline Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Rustic Bird House

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Ryan Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) Old Man in the Woods 2nd - Brady Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Book Page Wreath 3rd - Daisy Enriquez Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Stars in Stereo Pinata Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Jered Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Mosaic Stepping Stone 2nd - Tyson Bilbrey Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Captain America 3rd - Rileigh Kitchen Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Heart Pillow

Hobby Kits

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kyleigh Hruska Lodge 9, Snook (1) The Earth 2nd - Luc Marcaurele Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Medieval Trebuchet 3rd - Nathan Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Transatmospheric Fighter Ages 12 to 14 1st - Dillon Narro Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) 3-D Wood Puzzle US Capitol Building 2nd - Sean Moncrief Lodge 88, Houston (5) Titanic 3rd - Colton Regan Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Leonardo da Vinci’s Aerial Screw

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

VӖSTNÍK

2014 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Devin Krajca Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Kitten and Puppy Engraving Art 2nd - Christian Moore Lodge 29, Taylor (2) Black Ops 3rd - Colton Orsak Lodge 9, Snook (1) Air Cobra P-39

Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Jered Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Beanie 2nd - Cody Voigt Lodge 29, Taylor (2) Pillow 3rd - Lane Slovak Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Butterfly

Needlework

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Tatiana Tates Lodge 9, Snook (1) Blow Bubbles 2nd - Nathan Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Knitted Hat 3rd - Emily Filla Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) Cupcake

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Colby See Lodge 9, Snook (1) Jesus Latch Hook 2nd - Sutton Schwertner Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Tractor Latch Rug 3rd - Tyler Hilbig Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Dog Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brady Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Tiger 2nd - Katelyn Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Sunflower and Ladybug 3rd - Sammy Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Change Please

Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Bailee Beckendorf Lodge 182, Falls County (2) Flag 2nd - Jered Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Salute to Our Heroes 3rd - Grace Schwertner Lodge 49, Rowena (4) God Bless America

2014 State Hobby Kits Winners

Photography - Flags

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Brooke Newsom Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) Flags Looking Up to Our Country 2nd - Tatiana Tates Lodge 9, Snook (1) Flowering Flag 3rd - Nathan Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) God Bless America Ages 12 to 14 1st - Dakota Holder Lodge 6, Cottonwood (3) Our Flag 2nd - Ryan Festa Lodge 87, Temple (2) Texas Our Texas 3rd - Morgann Wood Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Flag Picture

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brady Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Freedom Isn’t Free 2nd - Ryan Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) Sacrifice 3rd - Sammy Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Freedom Walk

Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Jered Polly Lodge 88, Houston (5) Red Eyed Frog 2nd - Madeline O’Gorman Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) Catfish 3rd - Bailee Beckendorf Lodge 182, Falls County (2) Flamingo

Left to right, Jered Polly (88), Kyleigh Hruska (9), Dillon Narro (9), Devin Krajca (25).

2014 State Needlework Winners

Left to right, Jered Polly (88), Tatiana Tates (9), Colby See (9), Brady Alexander (47).

2014 State Photography Winners

Pictorial Arts

Left to right, Bailee Beckendorf (182), Brooke Newsom (48), Dakota Holder (6), Brady Alexander (47).

VӖSTNÍK

2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

2014 State Pictorial Arts Winners

2014 State YAD Results Number in ( ) denotes district.

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Olivia Zmolik Lodge 25, Ennis (3) Fish Tank 2nd - Briana Woodall Lodge 185, New Braunfels (7) The Green Mustache 3rd - Brittany Baker Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Hawaiian Flowers

Left to right, Jered Polly (88), Olivia Zmolik (25), Sophie Milan (154), Amanda Hoggard (202).

2014 State Science and Education Winners

Ages 12 to 14 1st - Sophie Milan Lodge 154, Fort Worth (3) Sunset Silhouette 2nd - Samara Valdez Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Hidden Duck 3rd - Shelby Horak Lodge 80, Holland (2) Tree Swing

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Amanda Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Wild and Wonderful 2nd - Denae Bronikowski Lodge 88, Houston (5) My Little Hummingbird 3rd - Katelyn Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Oh, I Sneezed

Left to right, Hunter Wood (49), James Teague (20), Kelly House (202), Brandon Hoelscher (47).

2014 State Sewing Winners

Left to right, Maylee Dowell (47), Kyleigh Hruska (9), Grace Lewis (9), Katelyn Daniel (183).

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Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Hunter Wood Lodge 49, Rowena (4) Ivory Soap Experiment 2nd - Sterling Marshall Lodge 20, Granger (2) Rethink Your Drink 3rd - Grant Bubela Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Which Do You Choose?

Science and Education

Ages 9 to 11 1st - James Teague Lodge 20, Granger (2) Solar Powered Car 2nd - Kelly Taylor Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje (6) Ball Float on Air 3rd - Weston Beasley Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Babe Ruth Ages 12 to 14 1st - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Which Pop Rocks Flavor is Best?

2nd - Natalie Vacha Lodge 9, Snook (1) Planets

3rd - Hunter Bartek Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Process of Waste Water Treatment Plant

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Brandon Hoelscher Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Which Metal Corrodes the Fastest?

2nd - Allison Wockenfuss Lodge 88, Houston (5) Mouse Trap Race Car 3rd - Amanda Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Road to the Future Completed Kindergarten to 8 1st - Maylee Dowell Lodge 17, New Tabor (1) Tee-Shirt Bag 2nd - Diego Valdez Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Spiderman Tie 3rd - Brooke Bacak Lodge 30, Taiton (6) Cat Pillow

Sewing

Ages 9 to 11 1st - Kyleigh Hruska Lodge 9, Snook (1) Spring Dress 2nd - Addee Williams Lodge 215, South Plains (4) Pink Skirt 3rd - Brooke Newsom Lodge 48, Beyersville (2) Dress Ages 12 to 14 1st - Grace Lewis Lodge 9, Snook (1) Pajamas 2nd - Kelly House Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Doll Outfit 3rd - Chase Alexander Lodge 47, Seaton (2) Tee-Shirt Pillow

Ages 15 to High School Senior 1st - Katelyn Daniel Lodge 183, Arlington (3) Ruffle Up 2nd - Deanna Hairrell Lodge 9, Snook (1) Child’s Dress 3rd - Amanda Hoggard Lodge 202, Jourdanton (7) Dolly the Dinosaur

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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SPJST Youth Beseda Dance Groups Participate at State YAD

The Beseda is a Czech dance that

has been around for many generations.

SPJST Youth Clubs perform the dance at events across Texas. Eight groups exhibited the dance at the 2014 State Youth Achievement Day on August 3 in Temple.

The Beseda—A Czech Tradition The history of the beseda began back in ancient history. A number of small tribes settled in the central part of Europe and gradually grew into a group of small states, commonly known as Central European States in early history.

The Central European States were surrounded by savage warlike tribes, and

they had to band together for mutual protection. Their languages became similar over the years and first one state then another became dominant.

Because of the raiding and pillaging by the fierce warriors of the stronger tribes, the Central Europeans settled in small villages and towns for protection.

They went from there straight out to their farms and jobs.

They soon found that they couldn’t fight the stronger warriors and learned to outwit and outmaneuver them. When the people went away to war, the children were left with the old people of the village. To keep the children entertained, the grandparents told them folk tales of their ancestors and the heroes of the region.

Those tales and old love stories and other tales became folk songs and folk dances.

The word beseda, to us, means company or visitors. When they got together, they danced their favorite company dances or beseda. Later, the state leaders chose some of the most popular besedas and combined them to make a national dance for the big state and national celebrations. There are many variations of the beseda, and the costumes — kroje — as they came from different sections of the country.

After World War I, the area was renamed Czechoslovakia. Here in America, we dance many folk dances brought from Europe like the Highland

Fling from Scotland and the Irish jibs and reels. (In SPJST,) we also dance the Beseda to try to preserve it and some of the customs and traditions that have been passed down through the years by the people who originated in Central Europe.

Each of the eight parts of the Beseda tells a separate story—a throwback to the origin of the dance. The first part tells of a group of young people who are out having fun and the girls decide to look around to see if they can find new partners who are more to their liking.

The second part is part of the old game and so on, each part telling something about the early days.

• • • SPJST • • •

District Two Beseda Dancers

District Two Beseda Dancers

Left to right, Garrett Festa (87), Kyndall Carroll (47), Chase Alexander (47), Hailey Girod (29), Dannikka Bartek (47), Kara Kaderka (29), Ryan Festa (87), Angelina Ringwald (47).

Left to right, Trevor Wuensche (48), Makayla Newsom (48), Kayla Wuensche (48), Brooke Newsom (48), Trent Wuensche (48), Jordan Krcha (47), Brandon Girod (29), Emma Regan (47).

District Two Beseda Dancers

Lodge 9, Snook Beseda Dancers

Left to right, Julia Zavodny (47), Kacie Vanecek (48), Kelsey Moore (29), Alexis Festa (87). Back: Brady Alexander (47), Aaron Kaderka (29), Hunter Bartek (47), Brandon Hoelscher (47).

Left to right, William See, Kamree Walker, Konnor Eldridge, Tatiana Tates, Kade Junek, MacKenzie Groce, J. Beaux Hruska, Kyleigh Hruska.

2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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15

Lodge 9, Snook Beseda Dancers

Lodge 9, Snook Beseda Dancers

Left to right, Colby See, Grace Lewis, Kohl Junek, Sydney Faust, Caleb See, Madelyn Rodriguez, Joshua Green, Riley Green.

Front, left to right, Carlee See, Emily Lewis, Natalee See, Deanna Hairrell.

Back: Hayden Kovar, Landon Eldridge, Colton Orsak, Braxton Faust.

Lodge 17, New Tabor Beseda Dancers

Left to right, Tabor Dowell, Macy Narro, Dillon Narro, Macey McCuller, Weston Beasley, Jada Parks, Trey Groce, Ashlyn Kellum.

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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SPJST State Youth Achievement Day Saturday, August 2, 2014 • Mayborn Center in Temple

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

SPJST State Youth Achievement Day Saturday, August 2, 2014 • Mayborn Center in Temple

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Leaders-In-Training Retreat

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June 13 to 15, 2014 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Leaders-In-Training Retreat

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June 13 to 15, 2014 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

20

Place

1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Place

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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2013 - 2014 SPJST Youth Merit Point Winners

• DISTRICT ONE JUNIORS AND TEENS • Lodge

17 17 9 17 17 17 186 17 9 9 186 186 17 186 186 17 9 186 9 9 9 186 9 9 17 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 17 9 17 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 17 9 17 17 1 9 9 17 186 1 1 9 17 1 1 1 9 1 17 186

Name

Macy Narro* Dillon Narro Colton Orsak** Tabor Dowell Brandon Powell Maylee Dowell Ciara Coker Weston Beasley Hayden Kovar Emily Lewis Kyle Brinkman Marina Brinkman Chandler Sebesta J.T. Enrique, III Jessica Enrique Logan Jones Braxton Faust Elias Rose Sydney Faust Nikolas Faust Madelyn Rodriguez Keith Ramon Carlee See Grace Lewis Trey Groce Kamree Walker Colby See Landon Eldridge William See, IV Caleb See Kyleigh Hruska Riley Green Tatiana Tates Ashlyn Kellum Joshua Green Madison Kellum Kaylea Walker Kohl Junek Wesley See Deanna Hairrell Kade Junek Natalee See Konnor Eldridge Jaxson Brisco Jaycie Brisco Hagan Sebesta Braden Perkkio J. Beaux Hruska, II Jada Parks Kellie Ihlenfeldt Justin Shimek Sierra Sebesta Morgan Sebesta Alexia Perkkio Shelby-Lynn Rose Rusty Aparicio Jesse Evans Natalie Vacha Mitchell Parks Fidel Aparicio, Jr Logan Spanihel Sydney Krebs Malorie Vacha Ava Schulle Jeremy Ree Shelbie Ramon

Points

• DISTRICT TWO JUNIORS AND TEENS • Lodge

29 47 47 47 29 47 47

Name

Brandon Girod* + Brady Alexander** ++ Brandon Hoelscher Justin Kraatz Hailey Girod Dannikka Bartek Zoe Talasek

170 168 150 150 148 146 146 144 143 141 140 140 139 136 136 132 130 128 126 124 120 118 117 117 116 116 115 114 114 112 112 112 112 112 110 109 107 107 107 105 101 99 98 97 95 94 94 93 93 92 90 89 88 88 87 84 83 80 80 79 79 79 79 76 76 76

Points

180 176 171 170 169 162 161

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

29 29 47 29 29 29 29 29 47 47 48 80 80 48 47 47 87 87 29 18 47 29 18 47 47 87 187 47 187 47 187 29 47 48 18 18 47 87 47 48 48 24 48 18 29 48 29 29 48 29 47 87 47 80 20 29 24 47 48 24 24 24 47 48 80 182 24 24 87 29 47 47 24

Colten Voigt Aaron Kaderka Chase Alexander Dounia Mohad Kelsey Moore Cody Voigt Christian Moore Kara Kaderka Seth Martinez Emma Regan Makayla Newsom Jacob Horak Shelby Horak Brooke Newsom Bayley Fulton Mitchan Julia Zavodny Garrett Festa Ryan Festa Kaitlyn Whatley Kody Laws Kyndall Carroll Joseph Kaderka Kimberly West Abigale Fulton Mitchan Kasen Carroll Alexis Festa Andrew Smith Josh Mitchan Alexandria Johnson Kimora Davis Luke McCarthy Kylee Halbrook Hunter Bartek Trevor Wuensche JB Anderson TJ Anderson Kal-El Martinez Ryan Davidson Angelina Ringwald Kacie Vanecek Kayla Wuensche Jennifer Hoelscher Trent Wuensche Jayden Flores Bailey Sumner Collin Vanecek Emily Sumner Collin Whatley Emily Filla Basil Mohad Brinley Belson Gavin Green Katelyn Erskine Alex Barton James Teague, Jr. William Garret Sumner Cade Campbell Logan Erskine Alyssa Nira Abigail Hoelscher Emma Hoelscher Nash Campbell Jackson Erskine William Filla Mackenzie Barton Bailee Beckendorf Michael Hoelscher Ty Stock Brienna Correll Ayden Bean Bailey Krcha Morgan Porubsky Cole Campbell

157 153 153 150 149 148 146 144 144 143 141 140 135 134 133 133 133 133 132 131 131 130 129 127 127 127 127 123 123 121 121 120 120 120 119 119 119 119 118 117 117 115 115 112 112 111 109 106 104 101 99 96 95 91 90 90 89 88 88 87 87 87 86 86 85 84 82 82 82 81 80 80 79

Place

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Place

1 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5

Place

2 2 3 3

• DISTRICT THREE JUNIORS AND TEENS • Lodge

6 6 6 84 183 25 25 25 25 154 154 154 84 84 25 25 25 25 154 154 154 25 183 25 25 25 25 25 25 154 183 154 25 154 25 84 154 154 183 92 154 154 25 6 154

Name

Quinlan Dobecka* Rendon Dobecka Dakota Holder Elizabeth Cowan** Katelyn Daniel Misty Dvorak April Dvorak Paige Tignor Preston Sullivan Clark Jones Macy Jones Reid Jones Kendall Tucker Melinda McClellan Hanna Slovak Hayley Slovak Lane Slovak Pierce Tignor Talia Milan Sophie Milan Angel Pace Dustin Motley Cassidy Higgins Austen Holland Brandon Droste Erica Clark Amanda Droste Madeline Clark Samuel Zmolik Allyssa Carmin Brittney Higgins Athens Milan Olivia Zmolik Taylor Cornell Victoria Motley Jason Sims Dylan Kearney Randall Gage Cornell Destiney Higgins Brooklyn Anderson Madalyn Stoeppleman Sydney Milan Devin Krajca Carter Charanza Klair Stoeppleman

Points

• DISTRICT FOUR JUNIORS AND TEENS • Lodge

49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 215 49 229 229

Name

Brandon Teplicek* Cammi Teplicek Hunter Wood Tanner Wood Hutson Teplicek Holt Teplicek Hunter Teplicek Sutton Schwertner** Ana Fuentes Kaycee Lehmann Olivia Schwertner Grace Schwertner Megan Booher Sarah Booher Addee Williams Morgann Wood Jordan Taylor Katelyn Taylor

88 88 88 162

Name

Allison Wockenfuss** Keith Wockenfuss* Denae Bronikowski Alyssa Moyle

155 149 147 147 145 144 142 126 125 123 123 122 121 120 115 115 115 114 112 111 108 106 105 102 96 96 95 95 95 95 95 94 93 93 91 90 90 90 90 89 83 82 81 80 78

Place

1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Place

1 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Points

• DISTRICT FIVE JUNIORS AND TEENS • Lodge

3 4 5 5 5 5 5

172 167 149 149 142 140 139 136 128 118 115 112 111 111 108 107 85 85

Points

150 148 130 129

162 88 162 88 162 88 142

Avery Moyle Ryan Bronikowski Delaney Bourque Jered Polly Jaci Malovets Nathan Polly Zoe Saxton

• DISTRICT SIX JUNIORS AND TEENS • Lodge

40 40 30 30 40 30 40 40 30 30 40 30 40 30 30 30 40 30 4 40 148 148 148 148 148 148 30

Name

Kelly Taylor* Kierra Taylor Grant Bubela Brittany Baker Cynthia Garcia** Bethany Baker Sky Garcia Adryanna Manzano Brooke Bacak Dylan Treumer Aiyana Gonzalez Luc Marcaurele Daisy Enriquez Andrew Kresta Emily Kresta Lauren Kresta Trianna Manzano Ryan Drapela Sarah Siptak Angelica Manzano Blake Zielonka Brooke Piwonka Jordan Voldan Myranda Zielonka Taylor Thurmond Tristan Voldan Jacob Supak

Points

• DISTRICT SEVEN JUNIORS AND TEENS • Lodge

202 202 202 202 202 202 202 185 185 185 185 202 202 185 202 202 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 185 202 185

Name

Amanda Hoggard** Samuel Hoggard** Katlyn Polasek* Michelle House Kelly House Joshua Spence William David Sanders Tyler Hilbig Ethan Hilbig Jordan Woodall Hayley Hilbig Samara Valdez Ciara Popham Abigail Schmidt Angel Valdez, II Diego Valdez Noah Schmidt Elizabeth Hancock Emily Hancock Ross Jaroszewski Leah McDonald Madeline O’Gorman Isaac Schmidt Hannah Hancock Zack Howard Gillian Lewis Regan Lewis Payton Mills Isabella Wiederhold Luke Jaroszewski

• • • SPJST • • •

162 161 158 155 155 154 154 152 144 143 142 141 133 128 128 128 128 124 100 85 82 82 82 82 82 82 81

Points

* Denotes District Top Junior of the Year ** Denotes District Top Teen of the Year Denotes State Top Junior of the Year ++ Denotes State Top Teen of the Year +

127 99 99 95 94 91 85

168 168 158 157 157 143 142 132 128 120 116 115 114 110 110 108 107 104 104 104 103 101 94 92 91 85 85 84 82 77

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District One Camp

2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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July 22 to 25, 2014 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas District One youth attended camp

July 22 through July 25, 2014, and had a great time. Youth from Lodges 1, Fayetteville; 9, Snook; 17, New Tabor; and 186, Caldwell were in attendance.

This year’s theme was “Christmas in July,” and youth decorated their cabins porches, made Christmas orna-

ments, and watched Christmas movies.

Youth participated in boating, tubing, and knee boarding at the lake in Fayetteville. They played games, swam, made crafts, rode on a late night hayride, and enjoyed making s’mores.

They also participated in BB and archery, learned new dances, had a shaving cream fight, and canoed and

Lodge 1, Fayetteville

blobbed. Most youth enjoyed the high ropes course. Youth also enjoyed sodas and cookies supplied by Mr. and Mrs. Victorick. Camp’s final night ended with a dance.

This year’s leaders-in-training did a great job helping with the younger youth. Thank you to all of the LITs who came to camp and led by example.

Thanks, Adult Chaperones A big thank you to all the chaperones who came to make District One Camp a huge success.

Fraternally, Sharon Russell District One Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

Lodge 186, Caldwell

Lodge 9, Snook

Lodge 17, New Tabor

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Two Camp

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July 18 to 21, 2014 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

Thursday, July 18 thru Monday,

July 21, 2014, retail stores were not the only ones thinking about how close the holiday season was really upon us.

The 65 campers, 25 leaders-in-training, and 24 chaperones and staff of SPJST District Two gave SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm the magical theme of “Christmas in July.”

There were decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, lights, presents, music, and, of course, Santa Claus. And, following Christmas one week later, we get ready for the celebration of the new year, the evening before. And yes, it all took place at our district camp. The only thing missing were our friends from District Four. We missed you all and wish you could have been with us for the celebration.

We all arrived at Cooper Farm on Friday morning and began with the usual checking in, swim testing, and greeting friends. Everyone was ready for lunch and to begin our busy schedule for the next 4 days. The Snowmen, Gingerbread Men, Santas, and Reindeer headed to the lake. All campers looked like “snowmen” before they hit the water. Covered with shaving cream, all they needed was the carrot nose.

The Snowflakes, Stockings, Pres-

ents, and Christmas Trees took on blobbing and the canoes along with pavilion time.

The groups decorated Christmas wreaths which were hung on each cabin. Christmas cards were made with cutouts, glitter, and all sorts of designs. These cards will be distributed at the District Two Fall Meeting among all youth clubs which will be visiting hospital and nursing homes during Christmas. We hope to bring cheer to the faces of the residents. The high ropes course, one of the favorites at Cooper Farm, was enjoyed later in the evening. There were so many first time campers who braved these challenges.

And also some of the chaperones showed their braveness. The evening activities were enjoyed by all groups which included swimming, free time, watermelon and the nice, long hayrides singing Christmas songs. Believe it or not, even with all the activities, we were all tucked away soundly before mid-

night. Or at least, I hope everyone was sleeping.

Saturday morning brought us busy time, with groups alternating activities.

Added to the activities were archery and BB guns. The LITs were on a mission to cut large cardboard boxes and make them into scenes for “Santa’s Workshop.” Super job, LITs, with your creativity!

Saturday afternoon was a big hit with Santa’s Workshop and the Christmas Scavenger Hunt. The workshop challenged each team in many different obstacles. One challenge was wrapping a leader or LIT in toilet paper to look like a snowman, and top them off with a snowman’s hat and sunglasses. Also, small buckets were filled with water and each team had to pass it along to their teammates to the five-gallon bucket on the other side, filling it up enough to knock out the Christmas ornaments floating on top. And remember, this was a race. Not sure if the

bucket, the ground, or the camper had more water on them. In the end, a few campers had small spots of dirt on them. So low and behold, someone?? got the water hose and the chase began.

Not sure anyone walked away dry, but it sure was fun.

The scavenger hunt was awesome!

From one place to another and even back to that same place, campers walked (not running) around like they were lost in trying to find where Santa had left the puzzle. The clues were super.

Time was taken for an activity in paying tribute to our flag. All campers were able to fold the flag in the correct manner. Several even raised or lowered the flag for the first time. This is a big part of our camp, and we want everyone to feel comfortable. A couple of activities were also done at our morning flag raising ceremony. A reminder was also given to hats off, standing correctly, and placing your hand over your heart.

We did not do the low ropes course this year, but the campers definitely enjoyed the games instructed by the camp staff. Thanks for the great time!

To help with the “coldness in the air during this Christmas time,” District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda brought what we thought would

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

23

2014 District Two Campers and Chaperones

be hot chocolate. As it turned out, it was ice cream and drinks to make us ice cream floats. Of course, Amber, Cristy, and I thought we would need marshmallows for the hot chocolate, so we brought several bags. Rather than letting them go to waste, someone had the idea (not saying who!) to get the “Director.” Not knowing what to do with them, they were snuck to all campers.

What a well-kept secret, as Jesse had no idea what was coming toward him when it was hollered out “Let it Snow, Let it Snow.” The “snow” marshmallows came quick, fast, and hard. Thank you, Jesse and Linda! We appreciate you remembering our District Two youth.

Talking about snow, it really did snow at our 2014 camp. Just ask those who were hit by snowballs. A little cornstarch and a lot of shaving cream make fantastic snowballs. What fun having a snowball fight. Needing to add a little more sugar for all of us, sugar cookies were cut out in Christmas shapes and baked. Each group picked out its favorite design and decorated the design with icing and sprinkles. The best part of all, we ate them as soon as they were decorated.

That evening, games were played at the pavilion and several new dances were learned. Amazing how many kids love to dance. We had several new chaperones this year, and wanted them to feel really comfortable with us.

What a better way than to have John, Lisa, and their staff sing to them.

Everyone got involved in their song and the new ones had no idea what was about to happen. Pudding, pudding, everywhere! What troopers, and they all promised to come back next year!

We completed our evening with yummy-tasting s’mores.

Oh yes, did I mention, there were some campers on the loose during the day? (No worry, parents—they did have a chaperone with them!) Yes, it seems some cabins got “raided” with string and wrapping paper. We knew it was going to be a long night. That it was, but one never to forget. These campers were awesome and so much fun.

Our last full day of camp came way too quickly. The alternating of groups in different activities was completed.

Our Christmas in July was complete with the tables decorated with Christmas wrapping and bows. And then, out of nowhere, there was a loud roar and the jolly, bearded man came bustling in the dining hall. Santa Claus had arrived! And, what a Santa! Mrs. Santa was so excited this day had finally arrived. She was asking for a present and a wish she hoped would come true.

Santa did not have the ordinary beard most have. His was very colorful—red and green. And, no, he didn’t bring us any gifts, only an empty five-gallon bucket was he carrying. I sat on Santa’s lap, not asking for anything, but thanking him for giving us the best ever District Two Camp. Terry Festa, you were awesome! Thank you! Thank you!

“Christmas in July” was over for the 2014 camping year. But wait, there was one more celebration on our calendar—New Year’s Eve Dance and Celebration. We didn’t have any trouble finding the music man. We knocked on Cabin 9 and there he was, ready to, once again, make a big hit. Thank you, Donnie Howard! Everyone joined in on the long grand march led by District

Two King Jacob Horak and Queen Kacie Vanecek and Runner-up King Brady Alexander and Queen Alexis Festa. After 45 minutes of the DJ’s playing of a grand march, the dance began. It was great to see almost everyone on the dance floor, some learning and some teaching new dances to fellow campers. Some campers entered the coloring contest as others just enjoyed watching what was going on as they played cards and dominoes. The countdown to a new year came, and thanks to our District Four friends, sounds of all sorts of noisemakers had to have made the whole city of Ledbetter, Texas, wonder what was happening at Cooper Farm. If there were any headaches the next morning, it was only from the noise. We loved it!

The cabins were calling out for us to get some rest for our last night at Cooper Farm. Most called it a night after the dance. Of course, Santa was out early having traveled the week before. Sound asleep, little did he know, Mrs. Santa’s wish had not been fulfilled. To keep her happy and not be disappointed, Santa was visited by some LITs and chaperones. It happened, even though Santa snored and moved around quite a bit and sent the boys a running a couple of times, Santa woke up to find he no longer had that red and green beard. Maybe he was just

a little sad, but Mrs. Claus was happy for no more whiskers.

Thank you to the many of you who made our 2014 District Two Camp so wonderful and memorable. There were many new friendships made this year.

First of all, thank you, SPJST, for allowing our youth to have this wonderful opportunity; our fantastic campers and chaperones; SYD Lynette, John, Lisa, and staff—for all you do to keep the camp a place we all love; Al—for keeping our stomachs full; Becky Zavodny and Richard Greger—for keeping us safe and well; and our Director Jesse and wife Linda—for your most generous support of our youth. A special thank you to Donnie Howard from District Seven for volunteering to stay after their camp to be a chaperone for ours. True fraternalism!

My special, special thank you to my wonderful DYC assistants—Cristy Girod and Amber Bartek—for our countless hours of planning and preparing camp. We had a great time spending these hours together, knowing it is for the best part of District Two—our youth. We thank you for your wonderful kindness and appreciation and the love you show us. You have given us memories we will never forget.

Again, thank you to the many chaperones and everyone who had any part of camp. Camp would be impossible without each one of you.

Thanks for an awesome summer, and we look forward to seeing you at all the activities still to come in 2014, and we are already thinking Camp 2015.

God bless, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

24

2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Two Youth Year . . . . . . Exciting and Wonderful!

District Two youth members had a

wonderful and exciting time since the last SPJST Youth Spectacular was published in 2013. It has been a year of many fun-filled activities, new friendships, and lasting memories. We thank SPJST for giving us these opportunities. I thank the leaders for their countless hours in preparation and planning.

Parents, thank you for your support and getting the youth to meetings, practices, and activities. We hope everyone has had as much fun as we have had this past year. The biggest thanks goes to the wonderful youth of District Two. You are all a great group of youth, and I am so very proud of each of you. I thank you for your love and the many memories I will cherish my entire lifetime.

August 2013—State YAD! It was a very exciting day once again for the many District Two youth who earned the honor to participate with the six other districts across the state. It seemed like only a short time ago that my dream had become a reality when District Two King Jerry Pechal and Duke Michael Hoelscher brought the title of SPJST State Royalty to District Two. It was once again another blessed year for District Two Royalty . . . SPJST State Queen Julia Zavodny of Lodge 47, Seaton and State Duchess Emma Regan, also of Lodge 47, Seaton, brought top honors to District Two. District Two King Collin Vanecek and his duke Trevor Wuensche were first runners-up. How very proud we are of District Two Royalty and so proud of Queen Julia and Duchess Emma for not only representing District Two but the entire state.

They represented SPJST with their State Royalty appearances at the SPJST Corpus Christi Getaway, Westfest, Houston Slavic Festival, Texas State Fair, Temple Christmas Parade, SPJST Car Show, National Polka Festival in Ennis, and the Fourth of July Parade in Belton.

The Corpus Christi Weekend Getaway sponsored by SPJST was very well-attended by many District Two youth. There were so many activities for everyone. It was great for our youth to enjoy not only friends from our district, but also to spend time with SPJST friends from all over the state.

The District Two Beseda Dancers performed at Westfest after watching the parade. What a treat for all of us!

September 2013 The annual District Two Fall Meeting held in Holland was very well-attended by our youth. Members were very generous in supporting our annual youth silent auction with funds to go toward an SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm project.

Games of all sorts and fun prizes were enjoyed by all. There was great participation in the Christmas ornament contest by many youth and several adults.

Beseda dancers performed in Houston at the Slavic Heritage Festival. Our trip would not have been complete without a stop at Buc-ees!

A trip was missed last year to Six Flags, but this year, we had a fun and rather exciting one. The attendance was rather low, but those of us there had a great time. The weather was perfect, and all was well until it was time to load up to go home. Who had the bus keys? They were never found.

After two locksmiths tried to help, we were back on the road again to Temple.

A few hours late never hurts anyone.

We returned home safely, and that was all that mattered.

October 2013 Beseda dancers were honored to be asked to perform at the State Fair in

Dallas once again. Everyone had a great time this year. The weather was nicer than the year before, and we were able to witness the new Big Tex. What an awesome, good-looking gentleman.

The following weekend, we were on the road again with the beseda dancers.

We were honored to accept the invitation by SPJST Lodge 88, Houston. This lodge has some wonderful people, and they know how to cook. What a beautiful lodge! Thanks for the invitation.

November 2013 And then the slow time began for our youth program. It was a time to sit back, relax, and reminisce about the wonderful summer and all the memories. I really did miss seeing my SPJST family which had been an almost weekly adventure.

December 2013 Many youth clubs presented Christmas programs at their home lodges.

The beseda dancers rode on the beautiful SPJST Float in the Temple Christmas Parade along with many other youth members. State Queen Julia Zavodny and State King Sammy Hoggard rode in a Corvette as did State Duchess Emma Regan and State Duke Ethan Hilbig. District Two/State Runner-up King Collin Vanecek and District Two Runner-up Queen Alexis Festa, Duke Trevor Wuensche, and Duchess Emma Hoelscher also were

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honored to ride in Corvettes. District Two was well-represented in the parade. When asking the Royalty Court of their most exciting part of their reigns, “Riding in Melanie and David’s Corvettes” is always the answer.

Melanie and David, your generosity of sharing the Corvettes gives our royalty an added spotlight in their reign. Riding on the floats in the parade is such an honor for our youth. Everyone loves the fun themes, the beauty, and almost always winning first place.

What a way to represent SPJST! The time put into each float is remarkable.

Thank you again, Melanie and David!

Following the Temple Christmas Parade, members joined many others at the SPJST Home Office for fun and food. There was face painting and also having your choice of a balloon made especially for you in any shape.

A big District Two activity held this month was our lock-in at Lodge 29, Taylor. There were crafts, games, prizes, movies for the younger ones, and pizza. A movie was held downstairs for the older ones who braved the lights flickering and doors slowly opening. It was great. There were several who braved staying up all night.

January 2014 Another rather slow month for the youth and leaders. What a way to start off a new year—giving the parents a break to get over the holidays or so it seemed. What a way to begin 2014!

January ended with the state SPJST Awards Banquet. Several District Two youth clubs received awards for new members and participation awards.

Way to go, District Two Youth! How proud we are of you! Beseda dancers performed at Country Lane Retirement Center.

February 2014 This year, the state youth club workshop was held by each district. We had a fantastic day with tips on taking pictures of flags and even snapping a few.

Some members spoke into a microphone for the first time. Pizza was enjoyed by all. We then headed to Wheel’s Family Recreation for an evening of skating. What a big day!

Youth Clubs

Get involved today!

See page 5 to locate a lodge near you or call (800) 727-7578.

March 2014 The annual District Two Spring Meeting was held at Lodge 24, Cyclone. Beseda dancers performed.

Youth participated in the Czech Easter Egg (Kraslice) decorating contest.

Once again, youth and adults showed their talent in creating a decorative Easter egg. I was elected District Youth Counselor along with Cristy Girod and Amber Bartek as Assistant

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DYCs. District Two Flag Bearers chosen were Brandon Girod of Lodge 29, Taylor and Kyndall Carroll of Lodge 47, Seaton.

Youth leaders from across the state met in Temple to share ideas and suggestions to help our youth program grow and prosper. We had a great time, and a lot of ideas were shared.

April 2014 District Two youth leaders and assistants met for our annual training and informational meeting. We met in the home of our District Two Director Jesse Pospisil and wife Linda. They furnished us with a wonderful meal.

There was a lot of planning, sharing ideas, suggestions, setting dates for District Two activities, and definitely visiting. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful group of leaders to work with. What great bonding! Secret Sisters for the last year were revealed. All leaders enjoyed it so much that we voted to do it again.

The beseda dancers’ fundraiser was very successful. Thanks so much to all who participated, donated items, and helped to make the day a success.

May 2014 Beseda dancers performed and State Royalty assisted at the SPJST Car Show which was held at Lodge 47, Seaton, and it was great. We all enjoyed walking around and looking at the “cool” cars. There were also several youth members who participated in the kolache eating contest. Congratulations, winners, and also to those who tried. You were great!

Most youth clubs in District Two participated in Join Hands Day by helping others. Some gave to food pantries, cleaned cemeteries, hosted bake sales with proceeds going to the needy, worked at a community barbecue fundraiser, or helped at the local animal shelters. Thank you for showing your true fraternalism.

***The final two months of our 2013-2014 youth year were close to an end. However, we all knew they would be the busiest months and most exciting months of the year.

June 2014 District Two Beseda Dancers performed at the Lodge 47, Seaton annual picnic. Dancers and spectators enjoyed this performance under the nice, new, shaded pavilion. Each dancer showed pride in his/her Czech heritage. I am so proud of all of you! After their fantastic performance, dancers were booked for a 2015 performance in Killeen.

The Leaders-in-Training workshop held at Cooper Farm was awesome. We had 29 teenagers attending from our district. I am so proud of these teenagers’ involvement and enthusiasm throughout the entire weekend. Plans by the LITs were in the works for camp.

Approximately 75 youth, friends, and parents enjoyed an evening of swimming at Temple’s Walker Pool for our annual District Two Swim Party. It was that time of the year when we get together not only for a fun social, but also to turn in YAD cards. Wow! I knew after that night we would be busy, busy getting ready for District Two Youth Achievement Day—only 20 days later.

The beseda dancers were once again invited to perform for Temple’s annual Pioneer Day held at the Cultural Activities Center. Not only did they show their Czech pride in dancing, but they also sang a couple of their favorite Czech songs. It was great to see how well-received these youth were.

July 2014 A very, very exciting month. See more in the camp section of this Youth Spectacular. Also, a summary of District Two Youth Achievement Day appears in the July 30, 2014, issue of the Vestnik.

August 2014 Knowing this would be the end of the reign for State Queen Julia Zavodny and State Duchess Emma Regan, we thank you for representing the SPJST organization with dignity.

Julia, please stay involved within SPJST. We need young people such as you to become involved in our adult lodges and to stay involved with our youth. You are such a wonderful role model. Your title as State Queen could not have fit anyone more perfectly.

You have always had your heart in SPJST in so many ways. I am so very proud of you.

As you can see, District Two never slows down for long. The above is a part of what we do as a district with even more activities held within the local lodges. We are proud of our youth and want them to stay involved.

Again, thank you to each member of District Two for your love and dedication to our youth program. I am very proud to say I am a part of the youth program, and I thank you for giving me the privilege. Please encourage your friends to join in on the fun!

Thank you, SPJST, for giving us a lifetime of memories!

Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Youth Program Aims High

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SPJST Youth Program addresses social needs, civic responsibilities.

T

o build character among the young and to pursue educational, patriotic, social, and athletic recreation.

Those are the goals of SPJST’s statewide youth program.

On an annual basis, youth clubs from 37 lodges across the state sponsor a wide range of social activities, community service projects and charity projects. It’s about having fun, but it’s also about contributing to the welfare of the people of Texas.

The educational aspect of the SPJST Youth Program is an integral part of local youth club activities. State and local programs address a range of areas, including human relations, nature, parliamentary procedure, juvenile decency, arts and crafts, the fine arts, music, dramatics and Czech tradition. Youth club members range from grades kindergarten to high school senior.

The patriotic program consists of ceremonial rituals and an annual essay contest. The objective is to teach the operation of a free democratic society and majority rule. The social program includes parties, dances, picnics, pageants, hay rides, and family group activities.

Summer Camp SPJST also makes summer camping trips available to its active young members. To be eligible to attend camp at no charge, youth members must attend seven out of 12 youth meetings or seven out of 12 adult lodge meetings, if the lodge does not have a youth club. Any youth who initially joins a youth club and is not able to make seven meetings can pay a fee determined by the DYC to attend camp. Youth members must also

attend a majority of the youth activities in the youth club or lodge. Non-active youth members may attend camp for a fee determined by the District Youth Counselor.

State Youth Achievement Day In addition to the camp program, the SPJST offers its youth a program which encourages participation in various individual and group contests. The program culminates with the State Youth Achievement Day (YAD) and Royalty Contest held on a statewide basis on the first Saturday in August. The crowning moment of SPJST’s royalty competition is the coronation of the king and queen who are selected on the basis of a speech during which they are scored on content, delivery and overall presence. All of the individuals who compete for the honor are winners in their own right, having been selected to represent their respective districts as king and queen candidates.

More than 500 youth and adults from across the state are expected to be at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center on Saturday, August 1 to participate in the 2015 SPJST State YAD and State Royalty Contest. The day’s competition covers talent, speech, handicrafts, foods, and educational projects.

SPJST’s youth program is a cooperative effort that reflects the great potential of SPJST — young and old — working together to achieve common goals and enjoying life together.

Information on local lodge youth clubs may be obtained by contacting your local lodge, District Youth Counselor, State Youth Director at (800) 7277578, or by visiting www.spjst.org.

• • • SPJST • • •

★ ★ ★ 2014-2015 SPJST State Royalty ★ ★ ★ Left to right are Duke Kade Junek and King Nikolas Faust, both of Lodge 9, Snook, and Queen Denae Bronikowski and Duchess Cheyenne Parker, both of Lodge 88, Houston.

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

District Three Camp

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July 10 to 13, 2014 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

Veselé Vánoce! Whew! Another great

camp has come and gone, and we have tons of pictures and loads of memories! District Three enjoyed 2014 camp at SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm beginning Thursday, July 10. The camping experience was enjoyed by 57 District Three campers, chaperones, staff members, and directors. The ever-dreaded curse ball made a return trip to camp this year for everyone’s enjoyment. In addition, Buddy the Elf joined us this year for a new and exciting game of “Where is Buddy?”

Day One We started that first day with registration under the pavilion where campers turned in their cell phones and electronic devices, were given their cabin assignments, and put their bags in the appropriate spot to be picked up by the ENC staff and delivered to the cabin. Our leaders-in-training then lowered and raised the flag while instructing the younger campers on flag lowering, folding, and raising etiquette. Noon prayer was also led by our LITs, and everyone en-

joyed a great lunch. After lunch, the junior groups, along with the LITs, worked on their crafty foam Christmas ornament name tags while Group Three (ages 12 to 14) returned to the pavilion to work on the District Three Community Service Project.

Our project involved soaking construction paper in water, pressing it, along with wildflower seeds, into Christmas cookie molds.

Then, after the mold is dry, they were presented to John and Lisa for the ENC to put these around the campground to watch the

beautiful, blooming wildflowers. Our LITs then moved into their cabins while the junior groups went to the pavilion to finish up the ENC service project, learn about the wildflowers, while Group Three worked on their crafty name tags. At the end of these activities, the LITs helped the junior groups get moved into their cabins, making up beds, and getting settled in. Everyone got changed into their swimsuits, headed to the dining hall for some awesome Christmasflavored snow cones and other snacks be-

fore they went off to the pool for swim tests, cooling off, and socializing until suppertime. Group Three girls were in charge of the evening flag ceremony and prayer. Our youth are so very creative in that many of our prayers were sung to the tune of familiar Christmas carols! How great is that?!

We all enjoyed a wonderful evening meal and headed back to our cabins to decorate with the great decorations that were provided by the campers and the district. Then, back to the dining hall for snow cones and snacks to take to the fire pit for scary stories told by the LITs. After a very long day, the LITs helped the junior groups get ready for bed. Teens got to socialize at the grassy knoll for awhile and then lights out for everyone.

Day Two Day Two of camp started out with the LITs getting up early to help the junior groups out of bed and get ready for the day’s activities at the lake. Group Three boys were in charge of flag ceremony and morning prayer. Another great breakfast was enjoyed by all and then the junior

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

groups headed to the lake for swimming, floating on the giant 12 man inner tube, shaving cream fights, horseshoes, bag toss, ladder ball and watermelon snacks. Group Three enjoyed archery, riflery, nature hike, and craft. The craft activity for the day was like a “build-a-bear” activity. Campers were given a choice to stuff a tiger or a Rottweiler and then could decorate a tee-shirt for their animal. LITs spent the morning preparing Christmas snacks for the dance.

These great snacks include sliced watermelon, oranges, and strawberries, Nutter Butter reindeer cookies, snowman popcorn cups, Grinch fruit snacks, and reindeer food. Group One boys had an awesome lunchtime prayer. We then enjoyed a great lunch. After lunch, Group Three headed to the lake while the junior groups rested and the LITs went swimming at the pool. The junior groups, along with the LITs, worked on their Christmas ornament craft, enjoyed snow cones and snacks, went on their nature hike, and swam. Group Two girls were in charge of the evening flag ceremony and suppertime prayer. After a scrumptious supper, LITs led all of the groups on a geocaching adventure around the campgrounds. When the groups returned from finding all of the treasures in geocaching, everyone went to their cabins to get dressed in their Christmas attire for the dance. Thanks to Donnie Howard from District Seven, our disc jockey, who kept the party music going until late into the

night. LITs helped the junior groups get ready for bed and it was lights out for all.

Day Three Day Three of camp started out with the LITs getting up early to help the junior groups out of bed and get ready for the day’s activities. Group Two boys raised the flag and led us in the morning prayer. After a wonderful breakfast, the junior groups, along with the LITs, had tons of fun at high ropes. Group Three was at the blob. They then switched activities. LITs also took some time in the morning to get their ideas together for the Haunted Hayride to take place at night. Group One girls led the noontime prayer and then we had lunch.

After lunch, LITs headed to the lake for some swimming and boating fun. Everyone else rested and had fun at low ropes, crafts, and swimming. LITs led the flag ceremony and evening prayer and, after a great supper, they were off to get ready for the Haunted Hayride. All other groups remained in the dining hall after supper to participate in some awesome “Minute to Win It” games.

Some of these games included jingle bell bounce, gift bag relay, blind wreath ping pong, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Christmas ornament relay. What a great time everyone had playing and competing in these games! Then, the highlight of our camp experience . . . the Haunted Hayride . . . coordinated by our LITs! What a great job of choreographing a haunting experi-

ence with Mr. Gorilla and his banana mush, along with several other scary characters with their water balloons and monster water guns. In all of this excitement, it is amazing that we only had one injury—one of the LITs was bitten by a possible scorpion while she was on the ground as part of the Haunted Hayride experience. After a visit to Nurse Jennifer, all was well with the injury. Then, back to the cabins and lights out for all.

Day Four Day Four of camp started out with the LITs getting up early to help the junior groups out of bed and get packed and ready for the day’s activities of breaking up camp.

LITs raised the flag and led us in the morning prayer. After breakfast, we had our traditional Sunday morning devotional, and awards were presented to campers, chaperones, staff, and directors. The LIT girls ended up with the curse ball and, therefore, had to do something special. Each girl had to eat 10 pixie sticks and then blow a bubble with bubble gum. We had so much fun watching them try to do this! Everyone went back to their cabins to clean up and pack up, and we all said our goodbyes until we see each other again at State YAD. We could never have an enjoyable camp without the help of many, many dedicated folks. Thank you to all the chaperones who took time out of your busy schedules to devote to our district youth. We could not have a fun and successful camp without you.

Lodge 6, Cottonwood

Lodge 25, Ennis

Lodge 84, Dallas

Lodge 154, Fort Worth

Lodge 183, Arlington

Leaders-In-Training

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Jennifer Dvorak was kind enough to step up at the last minute to serve as our camp nurse. She was always available and ready to help out in any way needed; whether it was a bandaid, medication, or just some TLC. Thanks, Nurse Jennifer!

Jerry Zabojnik once again helped us to beat the heat this year with his always pleasing snow cones. Thanks, Jerry, for providing your delicious snow cones, but also for your help with snacks, water, and chaperoning with the junior boys. You are awesome, and we so appreciate you!

Peggy Dobecka and Pat Dieterich, our district craft directors, came through once again for our district campers. Our Christmas foam name tags, stuffed animals, rustic Santa, and crystal Christmas ornaments were all big hits. We will think of you and camp each Christmas when we hang those ornaments on our trees. Thanks, too, for the wonderful backdrop to go with the wreaths and hay bales. Y’all are always so clever, and we appreciate you more than you know.

Thank you to Tom Weeks who was always there to take care of anything that came up and for working with the LITs on the Haunted Hayride.

Diana and John Engelke were kind enough again this year to visit us at camp and provide us with ice cream, candy, and Kool-Aid Jammers. This is always a real treat, and the campers really enjoy it.

Thank you to DYC Emerita Bessie Petr and Lynda Novak for making sure that we had plenty of Christmas decorations for the dining hall and all the cabins. This was great!

The lodges in our district are always so helpful in making sure that we have enough snacks and drinks. Special thanks to these lodges: 6, Cottonwood; 25, Ennis; 84, Dallas; 154, Fort Worth; and 183, Arlington for your generous donations.

A very special thank you to Assistant District Youth Counselor CarrieAnn Jones.

Wow! I wish I had half of your energy!

Thank you for coordinating prizes, games, creative ideas, etc., etc., etc. I am so glad that we work so well together and have fun doing it.

Fraternally, Kay Gerlich Weeks District Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Five Youth Year . . . Exciting and Wonderful!

Wow, this youth year has flown by!

There has been a lot that has gone on for our lodge and district. We have been very busy at Lodge 88, Houston every Thursday night with the kitchen open during bingo benefiting the youth club and various charities that the youth have helped out with. This last year, we have donated $1,500 towards building the duck races at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm; purchased throws for all the residents at S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home No. 2, Needville; purchased two benches at the ENC in memory of Leander Pflughaupt and Greg Bubela; in the process of purchasing sound equipment for our lodge; donated money towards the new carpet in the foyer at Lodge 88; and are still in the process of obtaining outside furniture for the patio.

The youth also enjoyed going to Spring Creek Growers; Czech Day; bowling and lunch at Mel’s Cafe in Tomball; Christmas party with special guest star Santa; Jumping World USA;

Lodge 88, Houston youth Nicole, Aubrey, and Kara Pflughaupt remember their PaPa Leander Pflughaupt on a bench that the youth club donated at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm.

the district workshop at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm with District Six and two youth from District Seven; Easter party with the Bunny; Homecoming at Lodge 88; YAD; camp; and State YAD, just to mention a few.

This year was a great year for Lodge 88, Houston and District Five at State Youth Achievement Day. We brought home 20 craft medals out of 25 first

places that advanced to State YAD from District Five. Of these, six of them were first place, nine of them second place, and five of them were third place. In addition, we had one second place and two third places in individual talent, and two third places in special category.

We had second runner-up for State King, and the best of it all was we finally brought the

crown back to Lodge 88 and District Five with State Queen Denae Bronikowski! It has been 18 years since we have had a State Queen.

What a wonderful way to end the summer! I look forward to seeing all the pictures and reading the articles over the next year as our State Queen travels representing District Five and Lodge 88, but most importantly, SPJST. We plan to have more outings this year and hope many of them will be at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm as it is our favorite place. There is so very much to do there, and what a better way to spend the day or even have a lock-in.

I’m sure that ENC Director John Hoelscher would welcome any lodge or district throughout the year for an “overnighter.” What a great way to bring fraternalism and families together.

Fraternally, Michelle Wockenfuss Assistant Youth Leader Lodge 88, Houston • • • SPJST • • •

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

Districts Five, Six, and Seven Camp

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July 14 to 17 2014 • SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas

Districts Five, Six, and Seven Campers and Chaperones

Districts Five, Six, and Seven Leaders-In-Training

District Five Youth Enjoy Summer Camp

District Five Campers and Chaperones

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Six . . . Camp Full of Activities

Well, it is hard to believe that an-

other summer is just about to come to an end. So much fun was had at Districts Five, Six, and Seven Summer Camp at SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, Texas. There were 128 SPJST youth and adults from Districts Five, Six, and Seven. Lodges 30, Taiton; 40, El Campo-Hillje; and 4, Hallettsville, who are all a part of District Six, attended the camping session. I can’t belive it went so fast!

Camp was under the direction of the District Youth Counselors from Districts Five, Six, and Seven and the Leaders-in-Training (LITs) for the weekend. Together, they conducted many of the events taking place for the camping session. District Six LITs were Jacob Supak from Lodge 30, Taiton; Cynthia and Sky Garcia and Daisy Enriquez, all of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje; and Sarah Siptak from Lodge 4, Hallettsville. Throughout the camp, LITs were in charge of various responsibilities and activities.

Youth arrived on Monday morning.

Upon arrival, they all met at the pavilion with their luggage. They were then off to the Strnadel building to color their backpacks to carry their water bottles in for the camping session.

Orientation of camp rules was given

by ENC Camp Director John Hoelscher and wife Lisa. Campers were sent to their cabins to get ready for the first event which was the swim test and then swimming for the afternoon. Many of the activities for the camping session were at Fayette Lake for water sport activities such as riding in the tubes, swimming, and riding in the boats. Activities at the camp were swimming, indoor and outdoor games, high and low ropes course, and crafts.

The craft was great! Youth stuffed bears and decorated a tee-shirt for the bears. Some campers even had some of their buddies autography them. They also made a Santa head ornament for their Christmas tree.

The youth divided into several groups. Each group rotated through the many activities at Cooper Farm. The theme for this year’s camp was “Christmas in July.”

On Wednesday night, a Christmas party and dance was held. Many thanks to Donnie Howard, our disc jockey, for our party. Great music and a great time was had by all. A great big thanks to our snack lady—Mrs. Theresa Haag. She always kept us hydrated and full of snacks—we never went hungry.

A special thanks to John and Lisa Hoelscher. Hats off to you all at Cooper Farm. You all were a great joy

to be with, and the youth loved and enjoyed spending the week with you all.

I can’t thank the chaperones enough for taking the time to spend with our youth. They were Crystal Bacak, Patsy Baker, and Sarah Kresta, all of Lodge 30, Taiton, and Inez Villareal of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. Thanks for the great help and hard work and for always being with the youth and staying on top of things. A great big thank you to our camp nurse Sarah Kresta for fixing all the boo-boos and headaches. I know most of you have jobs, and I appreciate you taking the time off to spend with us as chaperones.

Thanks to my Assistant DYC Susan Siptak for always being at my side and willing to go that extra mile for the youth. And, my big thank you goes to District Five Youth Counselor Barbara Linney-Gonzales and District Seven Youth Counselor Wendy Pruski. We had the most wonderful time camping with all of you; we all worked so very hard to make it fun for the youth. It was a great pleasure to get to know you all and interact with you, your youth, and parents. I can say for District Six . . . they had another great year camping at Cooper Farm.

We are definitely looking for a greater time next camping season. And for the director of Cooper Farm—John Hoelscher . . . Well, you did it again!

You outdid yourself in making the camping season so much fun and enjoyable. The kitchen cook Al—he is the man! The food was wonderful.

Thanks, Al, for going out of your way to make the adults feel special. To the camp staff, young men and women, you are a great group of hard workers a fun group that is full of energy—great job! They interact with the campers so very well, and it is as if they had known them for years. Some have as some of them were past SPJST Leaders-inTraining and youth club members around the state. We can’t leave out John’s wonderful wife Lisa Hoelscher.

As most of the youth said, “We like riding in Mrs. Lisa’s boat and her being our bus driver.” Thanks for sharing her with us during the camping session.

Thanks to all the youth of District Six. I hope you enjoyed your time at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm. I know you all met some new friends and had a great four days. I know some of you were not ready to go home.

It is a great privilege to serve as District Six Youth Counselor. I look forward to the camping season next year with Districts Five and Seven. Let’s keep passing on all the “smiles” that the SPJST Youth Program has to offer.

Lisa Bubela District Six Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

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2014 SPJST Youth Spectacular

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District Seven Youth . . . Great Time at SPJST ENC at Cooper Farm District

Seven went to summer camp Monday, July 14 to Thursday, July 17, 2014, at SPJST Education and Nature Center (ENC) at Cooper Farm.

We were joined this year again by Districts Five and Six. We had a great time at ENC this year. Many fun activities were planned for the youth. Our theme for camp was “Christmas in July.” The youth had a great time seeing old friends and making new friends, as we kept them busy most of the day and into the night!

We had 18 campers, 15 Leaders-InTraining (LITs), and nine adult chaperones from District Seven with a total of 100 campers and adults from all three districts.

Camp registration started at 11 a.m.

Lunch was then served in the mess hall where the camp rules were reviewed, and cabin assignments were given out.

After setting up their bunks in the cabins, the campers then headed to the pool/pavilion for the swim test and an afternoon of fun, swimming, and games.

Thank you, ENC Camp Director

District Seven Campers and Chaperones

John Hoelscher and camp staff for taking the youth on the hayride, to the lake, and the “Ravioli Song!” Some of the other activities that were enjoyed this year included swimming, crafts, high ropes course, low ropes course, dance lessons, indoor games, outdoor games, blob pond, canoes, lake activities, campfire and s’mores, and a dance party on the final night of camp.

Lodge 185, New Braunfels Campers and Chaperones

I would like to thank all of the chaperones for giving of their time to come and help with camp. Thank you to my Assistant District Seven Youth Counselor Regina House for helping me get all the shopping done and for acting as camp photographer. Thanks to DYC Lisa Bubela for getting the name tags printed and getting the craft project organized. Thanks to DYC Barbara Lin-

ney-Gonzales along with Lodge 88, Houston Assistant Youth Leader Michelle Wockenfuss for getting the camp groups, cabin assignments, and camp schedule organized for camp and for bringing the birthday cake to the party. Thanks to Donnie Howard for being the party disc jockey; Theresa Haag and Catherine Manchack for being the snack ladies; Susan Siptak for being the craft lady; and Frank Horak, State Fraternal Activities Coordinator, for filling in as a male chaperone.

Also, a great big thanks to State Youth Director Lynette Talasek for coming and spending time with us at camp, and thanks to Camp Director John and wife Lisa for putting together a great staff. The kids loved them, and they were easy to work with . . . then again you have a great staff member from District Seven!

We look forward to a bigger and better camp in 2015 with even more activities planned.

Fraternally, Wendy Pruski District Seven Youth Counselor • • • SPJST • • •

Lodge 202, Jourdanton Campers and Chaperones

Please Share Your SPJST Memories!

Everyone has one. From horseback riding at summer camp to dancing at an SPJST hall.

Maybe an SPJST mortgage helped you buy your first home . . .

Or SPJST life insurance proceeds assisted your family in a time of need.

We encourage you to share your SPJST memories with us.

Use the entry form below or submit your entry online. Who knows, it may end up in the Vestnik or in an SPJST advertisement and wouldn’t that make a great memory!

Mail, email, or enter your memories online at www.spjst.org. See below for details.

P P P Please share a photo(s) with your SPJST Memories. P P P Thank you for your participation!

SPJST Member’s Information (please print clearly) Name_____________________________________________ (Maiden Name)__________________________________ SPJST Lodge No.______________ Address (include Apt./Suite No.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________ Phone (______) ______________________________ Email Address_______________________________________________________________________ Phone (______) ______________________________ SPJST Memories: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please attach a separate sheet for additional space.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Ways to Respond ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Mail—Send this form to: SPJST Vestnik • PO Box 100 • Temple, TX 76503-0100 Online—Visit www.spjst.org and enter your information online.

Email—Send an email to info@spjst.org with the above information. Please state “SPJST Memories” in the subject line. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ Responses may be shared in the Vestnik or for SPJST promotional use. Member may be contacted for additional information.